Roger Corman, a prolific producer known for his inexpensive 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. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Corman was described as generous, open-hearted, and deeply loved by his daughters. His films were considered revolutionary and iconoclastic, capturing the spirit of their time. He was often referred to as the "King of the Bs," having produced hundreds of B movies over nearly seven decades, earning an honorary Oscar in 2009 for his contributions to cinema.
In addition to his own films, Corman's legacy includes nurturing talents such as Coppola, Scorsese, Howard, and Jonathan Demme, as well as launching the careers of actors like Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper, William Shatner, and Robert De Niro.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1926, Corman initially studied engineering before turning to Hollywood in the mid-1950s. He produced a variety of genre films, including science fiction, westerns, and crime dramas, often with limited budgets and short production schedules. His early films, such as "Monster from the Ocean Floor" and "Attack of the Crab Monsters," were produced quickly and on shoestring budgets, setting a precedent for his future work.
Corman's influence extended beyond producing; he emphasized meticulous pre-production planning, a practice he instilled in his protégés. Directors like Coppola benefited from Corman's mentorship, with him producing Coppola's first feature-length film, "Dementia 13."
Many directors, including Ron Howard, got their start with Corman, who famously offered them an "even trade" to make their first films: the director would get a small budget to make the film, and Corman would take the profits, giving the director a career start. Howard, who directed his first feature, "Grand Theft Auto," under Corman's mentorship, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and remembered Corman as a transformative figure in the industry.
Corman's impact on cinema was vast, shaping the careers of numerous filmmakers and actors while leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His influence and contributions will be remembered for generations to come.