Richard Donner

Richard Donner, born as Richard Donald Schwartzberg, was a highly acclaimed American film director and producer. Known as one of Hollywood's most dependable action blockbuster creators, Donner's illustrious 50-year career transcended genres, influenced trends, and directed some of the highest-grossing films of the 70s and 80s. Notable for his ability to cross genres, his numerous works had a profound influence on filmmakers worldwide. He started his career in 1957 as a television director, and his work included series such as 'The Rifleman,' 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,' 'The Fugitive,' 'The Twilight Zone,' and 'The Banana Splits,' among others. His film debut was with 'X-15,' a low-budget aviation drama in 1961, however he got his critical and commercial breakthrough with the horror film 'The Omen,' in 1976. Donner later successfully directed films like 'Superman,' 'The Goonies,' 'Scrooged' and the 'Lethal Weapon' series. He and his wife Lauren, jointly owned The Donners' Company, known for producing the 'Free Willy' and 'X-Men' film franchises. He also contributed to comic books for 'Superman' publisher DC Comics. His influence in the film industry was revered, and in 2000, he received the President's Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. Despite his passing on July 5, 2021 his legacy continues to live.