Cinematic trailblazer Roger Corman dies at 79
12 May 2024 08:17
He became famous for his low-budget productions and was dubbed the "king of B movies". Roger Corman, an American producer, director, and actor, has passed away at the age of 79. His death was announced by his family.
Roger Corman was born in 1926 in Detroit, Michigan. After the outbreak of World War II, he served in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946. He graduated from Stanford University with a degree in industrial engineering, but his passion for films led him away from this field. He started his directing career at the independent studio American Releasing Company, which was later renamed American International Pictures.
Corman was best known for his films made on shoestring budgets. In the beginning of his career in the 1950s, he created low-budget movies aimed at teenagers, like science fiction and horror films. Over time, he produced and directed over 400 films that were shown in movie theatres and on television. Some of his most notable works include "The Fall of the House of Usher", "The Pit and the Pendulum", "The Trip", and "The Little Shop of Horrors". In 2009, Corman was honoured with an Oscar for his lifetime achievements.
In his studios, esteemed directors such as Martin Scorsese ("Boxcar Bertha") and Francis Ford Coppola ("Dementia 13") directed some of their early productions. Corman is also recognized for kickstarting the careers of many Hollywood stars, including Jack Nicholson ("The Little Shop of Horrors") and Robert De Niro ("Boxcar Bertha").
Roger Corman has died at 79
The director's family shared the news of Corman's passing on social media, expressing their grief. They spoke of how the "king of B movies" wished to be remembered.
"It is with profound sorrow and immense appreciation for his remarkable life that we pay tribute to Roger Corman, our cherished husband and father. He passed away surrounded by his loved ones on May 9 in Santa Monica, California. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and daughters, Catherine and Mary. Known for his generosity, openness, and kindness, he was adored by all who met him. A devoted and selfless father, he was deeply cherished by his daughters. His films were pioneering and challenged the status quo, mirroring the zeitgeist. When asked about his legacy, he simply said, 'I was just a filmmaker' - the statement read.
John Howard Carpenter, the acclaimed director of iconic horror films like "Halloween" and "The Thing", also paid homage to Corman on platform X. He expressed how Corman's films profoundly influenced his work.
"Roger Corman, a pivotal influence in my career, has died. Getting to know him was an honour. He was a great friend. His science fiction movies and Edgar Allan Poe adaptations marked my childhood. I will miss you, Roger," - shared the filmmaker and screenwriter John Howard Carpenter on social media.
