Some sad Star Wars news to relate today, with word that producer Gary Kurtz, an influential figure in the earliest days of the space saga, has died. He was 78.
Born Gary Douglas Kurtz in 1940 in Los Angeles, he quickly found himself involved in the movie While Kurtz is most closely associated with Star Wars, his career spanned years before George Lucas would concoct the galaxy far, far away. He worked as an assistant director in 1965 on Monte Hellman's Western Ride In The Whirlwind, which starred Jack Nicholson. He also served as production manager on Voyage To The Prehistoric Planet, and held various jobs on the likes of Beach Ball, Blood Bath and The Shooting. His film career was briefly interrupted by a three-year service in the US Marine Corps, but he returned to a number of projects.
In 1973, Kurtz entered Lucas' orbit, producing and shepherding American Graffiti, which became a sleeper hit, launching both of them to a new level. Then came Star Wars, to which Kurtz, a student of religion in his early years, contributed the idea of The Force, which has long since become a key element of the expanding cinematic universe. Despite a troubled production (during which Kurtz would help direct second unit shooting on scenes such as the ship battles and the opening scene), performed beyond anyone's expectations. Kurtz' duties expanded on The Empire Strikes Back as it faced even greater challenges, but again was released to huge success.
Disillusioned with the way the stories were heading, Kurtz turned down an offer to work on Return Of The Jedi and, while living in the UK, began talking to Jim Henson about a dramatic film starring puppets. The result was The Dark Crystal, with Kurtz producing and shooting second unit. He'd go on to produce the likes of Return To Oz and Slipstream (starring Mark Hamill), 5-25-77 and The Steal.
Cancer took Kurtz's life on Sunday. "Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and mentor, whose work and talent spanned filmmaking, photography, music, and cinema history," his family’s statement reads. "He was a Marine, a world traveller, an outdoorsman, and a kind, compassionate human being. Gary was a magnificent man, who will be hugely missed. His whole family thanks you for your loving thoughts."
Keep up to date with all the latest movie news, click here to subscribe to Empire on Great Magazines and have the latest issue delivered to your door every month.