Richard Donner

Personal Info

Known For

Directing

Known Credits

1.2374

Gender

Male

Birthday

24-Apr-1930

Age

(96 years old)

Place of Birth

Bronx, New York, USA

Also Known As
  • Richard D. Schwartzberg
  • Richard D. Donner
  • R.D. Donner
  • Dick Donner
  • Richard Donald Schwartzberg

Richard Donner

Biography

Richard Donner (born Richard Donald Schwartzberg; April 24, 1930 – July 5, 2021) was an American filmmaker. Described as "one of Hollywood's most reliable makers of action blockbusters", Donner directed some of the most financially successful films of the 1970s and 1980s. His career spanning more than six decades crossed genres and influenced trends among filmmakers across the world. Donner began his career in 1957 as a television director. In the 1960s, he directed episodes of the series The Rifleman, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Fugitive, The Twilight Zone, The Banana Splits, and many others. Donner made his film debut with the low-budget aviation drama X-15 in 1961, but had his critical and commercial breakthrough with the horror film The Omen in 1976. He directed the landmark superhero film Superman in 1978, which provided an inspiration for the fantasy film genre to eventually gain artistic respectability and commercial dominance. Donner later went on to direct films in the 1980s such as The Goonies and Scrooged, while reinvigorating the buddy cop film genre with the Lethal Weapon series. Donner and his wife, Lauren, owned a production company, The Donners' Company, which is most successful for producing the Free Willy and X-Men film franchises. Donner also produced Tales from the Crypt and co-wrote several comic books for Superman publisher DC Comics. In 2000, Donner received the President's Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. Description above from the Wikipedia article Richard Donner, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.


Credits

Film Music Masters: Jerry Goldsmith Film Music Masters: Jerry Goldsmith (1995) Character: N/A
A limited DVD (1500 copies) of "Film Music Masters: Jerry Goldsmith" was released in June 2005. Bonus features included extended interviews and 60 minutes of scoring session footage of Mr. Goldsmith working on The River Wild.
Scream Greats, Vol.2: Satanism and Witchcraft Scream Greats, Vol.2: Satanism and Witchcraft (1986) Character: Himself
Documentary tracks the rise of devil cults, witches and other elements of the "black arts."
No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos (2009) Character: Self
The artistry, triumph and lifelong friendship of the great cinematographers Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond. With film school equipment, they shoot the Soviet crackdown of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. As refugees they struggle in Hollywood, finally breaking into the mainstream with their pivotal contribution to the "American New Wave."
Tales from the Warner Bros. Lot Tales from the Warner Bros. Lot (2013) Character: Self
Actors, crew and executives who worked at Warner Bros. Pictures recall their days at the studio.
Starz Inside: Comic Books Unbound Starz Inside: Comic Books Unbound (2008) Character: Self - Director, Superman: The Movie
From superheroes to superstars, Hollywood has always turned to comic books for imagination and inspiration. In this Starz Inside documentary, discover the history of comics from page to screen through the evolution and revolutions that have changed entertainment forever. It's a hero's journey of hits, misses and unstoppable powers, featuring the Spider-Man, X-Men, and Batman films (including The Dark Knight), Iron Man, Superman Returns, Hellboy II, Sin City, Incredible Hulk, American Splendor, Wanted, and beyond, plus revealing interviews with Guillermo del Toro, Stan Lee, Zak Penn, Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Neal Adams, Roger Corman, Avi Arad, Mike Mignola, Paul Pope, Richard Donner, Jim Steranko, and many more.
Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies (2017) Character: Self
Profile of the producer and former studio head of 20th Century Fox in the 1970s, Alan Ladd Jr.
Making of a Cult Classic: The Unauthorized Story of 'The Goonies' Making of a Cult Classic: The Unauthorized Story of 'The Goonies' (2010) Character: Self
A retrospective documentary of the cult classic movie The Goonies. Including interviews with the cast, exploration of the film's locations and unique stories you wont hear anywhere else.
The Making of 'Superman: The Movie' The Making of 'Superman: The Movie' (1982) Character: Self
Ernie Anderson narrates this look at the making of Richard Donner's blockbuster 1978 film. Behind-the-scenes footage, as well as scenes from the film, reveal just how audiences were able to "believe a man can fly." This program features interviews with key cast and crew.
Taking Flight: The Development of 'Superman' Taking Flight: The Development of 'Superman' (2001) Character: Self
Marc McClure presents a documentary on the making of 'Superman' (1978).
Making 'Superman': Filming the Legend Making 'Superman': Filming the Legend (2001) Character: Self
Documentary on the making of the 1978 film 'Superman.'
First Works First Works (1989) Character: Self
It's a mixed bag in the age of illuminating DVD supplements, but First Works effectively demonstrates the early promise of 13 successful filmmakers. Culled from programs originally broadcast on Showtime in 1990, this crude compilation combines student films, early professional work, and interviews with now-famous directors at various stages of commercial and artistic achievement.
You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman (2006) Character: Self
A 5-part documentary of the history of Superman in the movies. • Origin - Superman in the media and the challenges the Salkinds faced • Vision - Creating the right script, Choosing the right director and casting the right actors • Ascent - The production and launch of a new kind of fantasy film • Crisis - Complications and conflicts between the creative forces behind Superman II • Redemption - Criticisms and burnout of Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
Superman II: Restoring the Vision Superman II: Restoring the Vision (2006) Character: Self
Behind the chaotic history and development of Richard Donner's cut of Superman II.
Davi's Way Davi's Way (2018) Character: Self
Actor/singer Robert Davi gives himself one year to recreate Frank Sinatra's fabled 'Main Event' concert in Madison Square Garden to celebrate the centenary of Sinatra's birth.
Mel Gibson's Unauthorized Video Diary Mel Gibson's Unauthorized Video Diary (1989) Character: Self
HBO behind the scenes special about the making of Lethal Weapon 2.
666: The Omen Revealed 666: The Omen Revealed (2000) Character: N/A
Documentary about the making of The Omen, featuring interviews with Richard Donner, Harvey Bernhard, David Seltzer and others.
The Goonies The Goonies (1985) Character: Policeman (uncredited)
Young teen Mikey Walsh and his friends set off on a quest to find Pirate One-Eyed Willie's treasure in hopes of saving their homes from demolition. However, on their quest to find the treasure, they run into a family of recently escaped criminals, determined to capture the kids and reach the treasure first.
Conspiracy Theory Conspiracy Theory (1997) Character: Cab Passenger (uncredited)
A man obsessed with conspiracy theories becomes a target after one of his theories turns out to be true. Unfortunately, in order to save himself, he has to figure out which theory it is.
Inside Moves Inside Moves (1980) Character: Man who closes the ambulance doors (uncredited)
After a failed suicide attempt leaves him partially crippled, Rory begins spending a lot of time at a neighborhood bar full of interesting misfits. When Jerry the bartender suddenly finds himself playing basketball for the Golden State Warriors, Rory and the rest of the bar regulars hope his success will provide a lift to their sagging spirits. Will Jerry forget his friends? What about his junkie hooker girlfriend and her pimp?
Out Cold Out Cold (2001) Character: Snooty Bartender (uncredited)
Rick Rambis and his friends are having the time of their lives on Bull Mountain—until the legendary Papa Muntz' son decides to sell the mountain to a sleazy land developer, have the staff fired and turn Bull Mountain into 'Yuppieville'.
The Ultimate Stuntman: A Tribute to Dar Robinson The Ultimate Stuntman: A Tribute to Dar Robinson (1987) Character: Himself
A documentary on the life and career of legendary stuntman Dar Robinson, with clips of some of his more famous movie stunts and interviews with stars he's worked with.
Marlon Brando, un acteur nommé désir Marlon Brando, un acteur nommé désir (2014) Character: Self - Filmmaker
In his early days as an actor, Marlon Brando (1924-2004) was a shy young man with theatrical ambitions, like many others; but his charisma and superb acting skills made him truly unique, so that the doors to the starry sky of Hollywood opened for him. However, his peculiar manners, political commitment and complicated love life always overshadowed his artistic success.
Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman (2006) Character: Self
The history of the comic book superhero, Superman, in his various media incarnations.
Maverick Maverick (1994) Character: Dealer (uncredited)
Bret Maverick is a gambler who would rather con someone than fight them, and needs an additional $3k in order to enter a winner-takes-all poker game beginning in a few days. He joins forces with a woman with a marvelous Southern accent, and the two try and enter the game.
Close Encounters with Vilmos Zsigmond Close Encounters with Vilmos Zsigmond (2016) Character: Self
A very special encounter between legendary American cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and young French director Pierre Filmon. A personal journey with the brightest shadowmaker and his friends.
Superman II Superman II (1980) Character: Man Walking by Diner (uncredited)
Three Kryptonian criminals led by General Zod team up with Lex Luthor to conquer Earth, forcing a depowered Superman to regain his strength and stop them.
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006) Character: Man Walking by Diner (uncredited)
Superman agrees to sacrifice his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane, unaware that three Kryptonian criminals he inadvertently released are conquering Earth.
Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics (2010) Character: Self (archive footage)
A look at the history of the comic book publication that launched such legendary characters as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
Valerie Valerie (2019) Character: Self
A documentary of the incredible life of actress Valerie Perrine and her battle with Parkinson's.
Life After Flash Life After Flash (2017) Character: Self
A look at the roller coaster life of Sam J. Jones since his role as Flash Gordon, his struggles and successes, and the aftermath of when he went up against one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood.
Casting By Casting By (2012) Character: Self
This essential new documentary pays tribute to the legacy of the late, legendary casting director Marion Dougherty and shines a light on one of the most overlooked and least understood crafts in filmmaking.
Timeline Timeline (2003) Character: Man in Car (uncredited)
A group of archaeological students become trapped in the past when they go there to retrieve their professor. The group must survive in 14th century France long enough to be rescued.
Maximum Impact: The Legacy of 'Lethal Weapon' Maximum Impact: The Legacy of 'Lethal Weapon' (2012) Character: Self
This documentary showcases producer Joel Silver, Donner, Gibson, Glover, Rene Russo and other members of all four films' production teams as they examine the franchise, look at the various social issues each film tackled, attempt to measure the series' cultural impact and, of course, touch on its legacy, for the actors, the filmmakers and audiences the world over.
Superman Superman (1978) Character: Man in Street (extended version) (uncredited)
Mild-mannered Clark Kent works as a reporter at the Daily Planet alongside his crush, Lois Lane. Clark must summon his superhero alter-ego when the nefarious Lex Luthor launches a plan to take over the world.
16 Blocks 16 Blocks (2006) Character: Man Holding a Birthday Cake (uncredited)
An aging cop is assigned the ordinary task of escorting a fast-talking witness from police custody to a courthouse, but they find themselves running the gauntlet as other forces try to prevent them from getting there.
The Curse of 'The Omen' The Curse of 'The Omen' (2005) Character: Self
The filming of "The Omen" (1976) was plagued by tragedy and bizarre incidents. "The devil was at work and he didn't want that film made" - Producer Harvey Bernhard.
Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film (2019) Character: Self
Fifty years after its release, the special effects makeup team behind Planet of the Apes reflect on making the iconic film.
Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics (2013) Character: N/A
A documentary detailing the epic Rogues' Gallery of DC Comics from The Joker and Lex Luthor, Sinestro, Darkseid and more, this documentary will explore the Super Villains of DC Comics.
The Making Of The Goonies The Making Of The Goonies (1985) Character: Self
In this vintage behind the scenes featurette, director Richard Donner and storyteller Steven Spielberg talk about fantasy and realities that went into making Goonies the quintessential adventure classic it is today.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (2024) Character: Self (archive footage)
Christopher Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down. After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care.
The Omen Legacy The Omen Legacy (2001) Character: Self
The true stories that spawned the serie tale of Damien, a small boy with an angelic face, whose very name still conjures up thoughts of Satan. This documentary shares spine-tingling information about the the all-too-memorable flick that has terrorized film audiences since 1976.



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