Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz died Sunday from cancer, his family has announced. He was 78.
Kurtz produced American Grafitti, Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back with George Lucas. He also produced The Dark Crystal and Return to Oz. Kurtz has become a somewhat controversial figure where it comes to the mythos of making Star Wars. Chris Taylor has an interesting interview with him from 2014.
StarWars.com has posted an obit, and there are more remembrances below.
NEW: statement from George Lucas on the passing of Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz. pic.twitter.com/gwVQnEzKD1
— Clayton Sandell (@Clayton_Sandell) September 24, 2018
I've lost a lifelong friend. The world has lost a kind, wise, multi-talented artist & filmmaker whose contributions to cinema cannot be overstated. It was an honor to have worked with him & I know I am better man just for having known him.#RIPGaryKurtz pic.twitter.com/1tNRAgCGbq
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) September 24, 2018
Our thoughts are with the friends and family of famed @starwars producer Gary Kurtz who was a key collaborator of George Lucas and a supremely talented storyteller. https://t.co/EcV8V96SRA pic.twitter.com/qwCYq5j2uo
— ILM Visual Effects (@ILMVFX) September 24, 2018
RIP Gary Kurtz. A great filmmaker and man has just passed. Without him there would have been no "force". You will be remembered in the incredible films you made that touched the lives of millions. #ESB #starwars #americangraffiti @starwars pic.twitter.com/0D9RyP3DJH
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) September 24, 2018