Hollywood director Richard Donner dies 91

Director Richard Donner has died aged 91. Photo / Getty Images

Famed Hollywood director Richard Donner has died aged 91.

Donner's wife, Lauren Schuler Donner, confirmed the news today. His cause of death has not been revealed.

Donner directed some of the 1970s and 80s most iconic films, including the 1978 Christopher Reeve-starring Superman – the first modern superhero film – as well as The Goonies and Lethal Weapon, with Mel Gibson.

Danny Glover, Richard Donner and Mel Gibson pictured in 2017. Photo / Getty Images

Donner and his wife, a producer, owned their own production company The Donners' Company, which produced films such as Free Willy and X-Men.

Donner won the President's Award in 2000 for his contribution to the film industry.

Donner and his wife received stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008.

Donner's rise to fame

The Bronx-born director started in television dramas in the 1950s, working on more than 25 series' including Get Smart, The Wild Wild West, The Twilight Zone and Gilligan's Island.

He directed his first feature film, X-15, in 1961, before getting his big break on the 1976 horror film, The Omen.

But his worldwide recognition came with Superman: The Movie, in 1978, which bolstered both Donner and his lead actor, Reeve, to international fame.

Superman became a smash hit and box office success, co-starring Margot Kidder, Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman.

He went on to have even greater success, directing family film The Goonies in 1985, the Lethal Weapon series starting in 1987, Scrooged and Conspiracy Theory.

Donner also executive produced the 2000 Marvel Comics film, X-Men.

Tributes flow for Donner

People are paying tribute to the iconic director, who is being remembered as a "caring" and "wonderful" person.

US actor Sean Astin, who starred in The Goonies, remembered him as having the "biggest voice you could imagine", while Steven Spielberg said he was an "endearing friend".

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.

- Goonies Never Say Die

— Sean Astin (@SeanAstin) July 5, 2021

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

Richard Donner's big heart & effervescent charm shone in his movies through the remarkable performances of his cast, which is no mean feat. You remember all the characters in Superman, Lethal Weapon, The Goonies & more, because Donner knew how to capture that magic onscreen. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/7NDH9kKnQZ

— edgarwright (@edgarwright) July 5, 2021

Richard Donner made big time movies. Movies that remain in our consciousness. That never has been and never is easy. Always admired his work. #RIP https://t.co/NPqlIqcApe via @variety

— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) July 5, 2021

RIP #RichardDonner What an incredible career.

— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) July 5, 2021