Richard Donner, director of ‘Superman,’ ‘The Goonies’ and ‘Lethal Weapon,’ has died

Revered director Richard Donner, known for helming the most cherished blockbuster films of the 80s, died on Monday. He was 91. 

Richard Donner dominated the VHS era with a slew of bombastic hits including the original Superman film, the Lethal Weapon series and The Goonies. His passing was confirmed by his wife and production company. No cause of death has been revealed.

Born Richard Donald Schwartzberg in The Bronx, Donner majored in business and theater at New York University. He began his career in film as an actor, before cutting his teeth on the other side of the camera working on television directing. In his comeuppance, Donner worked on series such as The Twilight Zone, Wanted: Dead or Alive, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and The Fugitive.

In 1961 he directed his first film, the low-budget X-15. He would go on to direct a number of British films including Salt and Pepper, Twinky and Child Bride. 

His breakthrough came in 1976, with the terrifying and gorgeous supernatural thriller The Omen. A hit that had Donner assigned to directing the 1978 adaptation of the Christopher Reeve-led Superman. 

In 1985, Donner directed the beloved children’s adventure film The Goonies. Steven Spielberg, who penned the story for The Goonies, paid tribute to Donner in a statement to Variety.

“Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favorite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally, and – of course – the greatest Goonie of all,” Spielberg said.

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