Roger Corman, a prolific producer known for his inexpensive yet groundbreaking B movies and for mentoring future Hollywood icons like Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard, and Martin Scorsese, has passed away at the age of 98. His family announced his death on May 9 at his home in Santa Monica, California, without specifying the cause.
Described by his family as generous, open-hearted, and beloved by his daughters, Corman was a devoted father. His films were lauded for their revolutionary and iconoclastic nature, capturing the essence of their era.
Often dubbed the "King of the Bs," Corman produced hundreds of B movies during his nearly seven-decade career as an independent producer and director. In 2009, he received an honorary Oscar for his contributions to cinema.
Corman's influence went beyond his own films, as he played a crucial role in launching the careers of many Hollywood stars. He attracted a constellation of rising talents, including future A-list directors like Coppola, Scorsese, Howard, and Jonathan Demme. He also jumpstarted the careers of actors such as Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper, William Shatner, and Robert De Niro.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1926, Corman initially studied engineering before shifting his focus to Hollywood in the mid-1950s. He produced a wide range of genre films, including science fiction, westerns, and crime dramas, often with minimal budgets and tight schedules. Despite these limitations, his films were characterized by their creativity and resourcefulness.
Corman's impact extended beyond filmmaking; he emphasized the importance of meticulous pre-production and planning, instilling these values in his proteges. His directing disciples, including Scorsese, benefited from his emphasis on preparation and attention to detail.
Throughout his career, Corman produced a diverse array of films, from shoot-'em-ups to monster movies and horror films, each bearing his signature style. He was behind cult classics like "The Little Shop of Horrors," which featured an early performance by Jack Nicholson.
Several Hollywood luminaries, including Sylvester Stallone, credited Corman with giving them their start in the industry. Stallone highlighted Corman's ability to produce quality films on a tight schedule, demonstrating that it could be done without compromising on quality.
Corman's approach to producing was unique; he often made deals with aspiring directors, providing them with the opportunity to make their first films in exchange for a share of the profits. This approach helped launch the careers of directors like Coppola, who worked as Corman's assistant before directing his first feature-length film.
Ron Howard, who directed "Grand Theft Auto," his first full-length feature, in 1977, recalled Corman telling him, "Ron, you always looked like a director to me," reflecting Corman's keen eye for talent.
Corman's impact on the industry extended beyond his role as a producer. He appeared in several big-budget Hollywood films, including "Apollo 13" and "The Godfather: Part II," at the request of directors he had mentored.
His influence was not limited to those he directly mentored; even chance encounters with Corman could alter someone's career trajectory. Filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich, who was introduced to Corman while working as a journalist, received an offer to write a movie with no pay or recognition, but it was an opportunity to enter the industry.
Director Quentin Tarantino also credited Corman with inspiring his love for cinema, recalling how he would stay up late watching Corman's movies on TV as a child. Tarantino praised Corman for providing audiences with unadulterated cinematic pleasure for decades.
Corman is survived by his wife, Julie, and his daughters, Catherine and Mary. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he simply said, "I was a filmmaker, just that," encapsulating his lifelong passion and dedication to the art of cinema.