Famed director Richard Donner died at the age of 91 on Monday, his family confirmed to ABC News.
Donner, whose 1978 "Superman" starring Christopher Reeve remains the gold standard for the Man of Steel in cinema, also directed '80s classics like "The Goonies" and the '90s holiday staple "Scrooged." He produced movies including "The Lost Boys" and the original "X-Men" film with his longtime wife, Lauren Shuler Donner.
The 1987 buddy cop film "Lethal Weapon," starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, became nearly synonymous with the Bronx-born director. The film spawned three sequels and was on track for a fourth, which was in development before his death.
Born Richard Donald Schwartzberg, Donner got his start on TV, where he directed series from "The Twilight Zone" and "Gilligan's Island" to "Tales from the Crypt," which he executive produced later on.
His first big feature success was the 1976 thriller "The Omen," which led to the coveted "Superman" directing gig. The filmmaker's treatment of the character -- and Reeves' powerful yet never cynical portrayal of the hero and his alter-ego, Clark Kent -- remains a high water mark for the superhero genre and Superman himself.
Donner returned for 1981's "Superman II," but parted ways with the studio before it was completed. In 2006, the film's "Donner Cut" was released on DVD to critical and fan acclaim.
The beloved director's death was mourned by friends and former colleagues, including Steven Spielberg, Sean Astin and more. See some of the social media tributes below:
Steven Spielberg reflects on the passing of Richard Donner, friend, and beloved director of THE GOONIES for Amblin Entertainment, who passed away today at 91.#RichardDonner #TheGoonies pic.twitter.com/6KSmKvWqVI
— Amblin (@amblin) July 5, 2021
I loved Richard Donner as person, and massively admired him as a director. To think he made The Omen, Superman, The Goonies and Lethal Weapon in just over 10 years time, and many more. Stunning. Truly one of the greatest American filmmakers of all time. He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/6BWIkrvfuN
— Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) July 6, 2021
Richard Donner had the biggest, boomiest voice you could imagine.
— Sean Astin (@SeanAstin) July 5, 2021
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.
- Goonies Never Say Die
Thank you, Richard Donner. You made me believe. pic.twitter.com/zmeONQpTUT
— Zack Snyder (@ZackSnyder) July 5, 2021
Richard Donner made the devil a child in The Omen, invented the modern day comic book movie with Superman, and reinvented the buddy cop movie with Lethal Weapon. I got to meet with him last year about a project. Guy was a natural born storyteller. Thanks for all the flicks, Dick! https://t.co/pjC9dbSkbt
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) July 5, 2021
Richard Donner's big heart & effervescent charm shone in his movies through the remarkable performances of his cast, which is no mean feat. You remember all the characters in Superman, Lethal Weapon, The Goonies & more, because Donner knew how to capture that magic onscreen. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/7NDH9kKnQZ
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) July 5, 2021
