Star Wars Franchise Legend Gary Kurtz has passed away at the age of 78.
Kurtz produced both Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back in collaboration with George Lucas.
His body of work also included American Graffiti, The Dark Crystal, Return to Oz and Slipstream.
He was nominated on multiple occasions for Oscars.
How Did Gary Kurtz Die?
Gary Kurtz had been suffering from cancer and the disease took his life.
Split with Lucas
Kurtz left the Star Wars franchise after disagreements with George Lucas over the direction in which Return of the Jedi was taking the franchise.
Kurtz claimed that after Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, Lucas became convinced that audiences no longer cared about the story and were simply there for thrills and entertainment, and began to deviate from the originally planned plotlines for Return of the Jedi, at which point Kurtz quit the series. Kurtz has also claimed that Lucas changed the emphasis from storytelling to prioritizing toy merchandising
Social Media on the passing of Gary Kurtz
Producer Gary Kurtz was a force behind “Star Wars,” “American Graffiti” and “The Dark Crystal,” and a friend to so many in our industry. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/RUwt2kzRYF
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) September 24, 2018
George Lucas is a genius and a visionary rivaling just about any contemporary filmmaker. That said, Gary Kurtz was crucial to making Star Wars what it was. He focused Lucas’ vision on the original two films in a way that made the franchise what it is. Rest In Peace, Gary Kurtz. pic.twitter.com/TUeuPxJtCn
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) September 24, 2018
RIP Gary Kurtz. A great filmmaker and man has just passed. Without him there would have been no "force". You will be remembered in the incredible films you made that touched the lives of millions. #ESB #starwars #americangraffiti @starwars pic.twitter.com/0D9RyP3DJH
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) September 24, 2018
Your Memories?
What are your memories of Gary Kurtz and his films? Share them in the Comments section below.
Top Gun 2 Filming Put Back
Paramount Pictures is delaying the release of the long-awaited Top Gun 2 from 2019 to 2020.
The official reason for the change relates to the time required to produce the flight action sequences.
Did You Know Michael Ball Appeared In Coronation Street?
Welsh crooner Michael Ball played a character called Malcom Nuttall, the tennis coach and boyfriend of character Michelle Robinson. Ball’s scenes were shot in May 1985
Iconic Hollywood Star Burt Reynolds Dies At 82
Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds has passed away at the age of 82. Reynolds was a huge star back in the day – the most bankable and arguably the biggest name in Hollywood around the 1978-1982 period.
Remembering The Hitman and Her!
Who remembers the Hitman and Her? We look back at the iconic show hosted Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachan from the various northern night clubs.
Rest in Peace Barry Chuckle
It’s a day of sadness as we hear that Barry Chuckle, one half of the “Chuckle Brothers” act has passed away at the age of 73.
Remembering the 1981 Riots
Riots erupted in many of the UK inner cities during the summer of 1981. Brixton in London, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester… and Toxteth, Liverpool.
1 thought on “Legendary Star Wars Producer Gary Kurtz dies at 78”
Just a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw outstanding pattern.