Hollywood spent the weekend paying tribute to Roger Corman, the independent filmmaking legend who died last Thursday at age 98.
Corman, known during his time as the “King of the B’s,” was a beloved producer and director who helped boost careers for names such as Jack Nicholson, Ron Howard, Peter Bogdanovich, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd and James Cameron.
“He was generous, open-hearted and kind to all those who knew him,” Corman’s family said in a statement. “When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that.’”
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In response to news of Corman’s death, many who knew and worked with the filmmaker paid tribute to him online. “A great movie maker and mentor,” Howard wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “When I was 23 he gave me my 1st shot at directing. He launched many careers & quietly lead our industry in important ways. He remained sharp, interested and active even at 98. Grateful to have known him.”
Robert De Niro said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, “I’m sorry to hear of the passing of Roger. He started many of us over the years. He was a legend. May he rest in peace!”
John Carpenter, the acclaimed horror director, wrote that Corman was “one of the most influential movie directors in my life.” He added that “It was my privilege to know him. He was a great friend. He shaped my childhood with science fiction movies and Edgar Allen Poe epics. I’ll miss you, Roger.”
Writer Joe Russo wrote, “There isn’t a modern Hollywood without legendary writer, director and producer Roger Corman. His passing at 98 is a profound loss to cinema. We are all in his debt. Rest easy, Maestro.”
See below for more tributes to Corman’s impact.
Sunday, 11:03 p.m.: Updated to correctly identify Joe Russo.
