Iconic director Richard Donner, the prolific Hollywood filmmaker behind some of the most memorable movies of the 1970s and \u201980s \u2013\u00a0from the modern superhero movie «Superman,» \u2026<\/b>
\nIconic director Richard Donner, the prolific Hollywood filmmaker behind some of the most memorable movies of the 1970s and \u201980s \u2013 from the modern superhero movie «Superman,» to the kid adventure «Goonies,» and the buddy cop series «Lethal Weapon» \u2013 died Monday. He was 91. Donner’s production company confirmed his passing to USA TODAY without elaboration on the cause of death. Sean Astin, star of the Donner-directed 1985 hit «Goonies,» tweeted a tribute Monday, citing the famed line, «Goonies never say die.» «Richard Donner had the biggest, boomiest voice you could imagine. He commanded attention and he laughed like no man has ever laughed before. Dick was so much fun. What I perceived in him, as a 12 year old kid, is that he cared. I love how much he cared.» The genial Donner, born Richard Donald Schwartzberg in the Bronx on April 24,1930, gained fame with his first feature,1976\u2019s horror film «The Omen.» A then-unheard-of offer followed: $1 million to direct 1978\u2019s \u201cSuperman.\u201d Donner channeled his love of the character into making the film, repeatedly facing off with producers over the need for special effects that would convince the audience that a superhero could really fly. In the title role, Donner cast little-known Christopher Reeve in the starring role. The chisel-jawed actor shot to instant fame with the role and was associated with \u201cSuperman\u201d for the rest of his life. «Superman» was a $300 million box office hit that scored three Oscar nominations, including best score by John Williams, winning a special achievement Academy Award for its visual effects. The film set the template for superhero movies to follow. By the 21st century, the genre was dominating the box office in the U.S. and worldwide box office. Steven Spielberg, who produced \u201cThe Goonies,\u201d wrote in a statement to the Associated Press. «Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres. Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favorite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally, and \u2014 of course \u2014 the greatest Goonie of all,» wrote Spielberg. «He was all kid. All heart. All the time. I can\u2019t believe he\u2019s gone, but his husky, hearty laugh will stay with me always.»<\/p>\n