Sean Astin, star of the Donner-directed 1985 hit
"Goonies," tweeted a tribute Monday, citing the famed movie line,
"Goonies never say die."
"Richard Donner had the biggest, boomiest voice you
could imagine. 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."
The genial Donner, born Richard Donald Schwartzberg in the
Bronx on April 24, 1930, gained fame with his first movie feature, 1976’s
horror film "The Omen."
A then-unheard-of offer followed: $1 million to direct
1978’s "Superman." Donner channeled his love of the character into
making the film, repeatedly facing off with producers over the need for special
effects that would convince the audience that a superhero could really fly.
Donner cast little-known Christopher Reeve in the starring
role. The chisel-jawed actor shot to instant fame with the Superman/Clark Kent role
and was associated with “Superman” for the rest of his life.
"Superman" was a $300 million box office hit that
scored three Oscar nominations, including best score by John Williams, winning
a special achievement Academy Award for its visual effects.
The film set the template for superhero movies to follow. By
the 21st century, the genre was dominating the box office in the U.S. and
worldwide.
"Man of Steel" and "Justice League"
director Zack Snyder wrote on Twitter in tribute, "Thank you, Richard Donner.
You made me believe."
Thank you, Richard Donner. You made me believe. pic.twitter.com/zmeONQpTUT
— Zack Snyder (@ZackSnyder) July 5, 2021
A dispute with producers led to Donner taking his name off
directing the 1980 follow-up "Superman II" — with credit going to
Richard Lester who was brought in after Donner had shot the majority of the
movie. A "Superman II" director’s cut that featured additional
Donner-directed scenes was released in 2006.
In 1985, Donner directed the classic kids adventure
"The Goonies," with a script by Chris Columbus based on a story by
Steven Spielberg.
Spielberg, who produced “The Goonies,” wrote in a tribute
statement posted on Twitter.
"Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and
was so gifted across so many genres. 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," wrote Spielberg.
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
"He was all kid. All heart. All the time,"
Spielberg added. "I can’t believe he’s gone, but his husky, hearty laugh
will stay with me always."
With 1987's action film "Lethal Weapon," director
Donner began a mega-franchise that paired Danny Glover with "Mad Max"
star Mel Gibson as mismatched police partners. Donner directed all four
"Lethal Weapon" movies in an 11-year span. The franchise grossed more
than $900 million globally and shot Gibson, as Martin Riggs, to superstar
status.
"Donner! My friend, my mentor. Oh, the things I learned
from him!" Gibson wrote in a statement. "He undercut his own talent
and greatness with a huge chunk of humility referring to himself as ‘merely a
traffic cop.’ He left his ego at the door and required that of others."
"If we piled up all the good deeds he did, it would
stretch to some uncharted place in the firmament," Gibson added. "I
will sorely miss him, with all his mischievous wit and wisdom. “
Donner directed the 1988 Christmas classic
"Scrooged," featuring Bill Murray as a selfish television executive,
and 1992’s coming-of-age drama "Radio Flyer."