It is with a heavy heart that we bring you the news that legendary filmmaker Joel Schumacher has passed away. Known for directing such iconic features as ST. ELMO'S FIRE, THE LOST BOYS, FLATLINERS, BATMAN FOREVER, BATMAN & ROBIN, and one of my personal favorites, FALLING DOWN, Schumacher passed away after a yearlong battle with cancer, his publisists at ID PR have confirmed. He was 80 years of age.
In addition to the above-mentioned films, Schumacher also blessed cinephiles with movies the likes of 8MM, BAD COMPANY, PHONE BOOTH and more.
Born on August 29, 1939, in NYC, Schumacher arrived on the Hollywood scene as a costume designer for such 1970s features as Woody Allen's SLEEPER and INTERIORS, as well as BLUME IN LOVE, THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE and THE LAST OF SHEILA. He also dabbled in the art of production design, and was a designer on the 1974 telefilm KILLER BEES, a disaster-style pic that told the tale of a woman who not only dominates her family of California winegrowers, but also has a strange hold on a colony of bees in her vineyard.
As a Jack of many trades, Schumacher also lent his talents to a number of musical projects, such as penning the film adaptations of both THE WIZ (1978) and 2004's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (which he has also directed). He also occupied the director's chair for Seal's "Kiss from a Rose" music video, a song that unapologetic fans of the filmmaker's Batman films will be proud to belt out at the drop of a hat. He also directed the video for "Devil Inside" by the band INXS, an Australian rock outfit that was active during the years 1977-2012.
To say that Schumacher directed some of the bigest stars in Hollywood during his time would be an understatement. Looking back, you'll find celebrities the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, George Clooney, Susan Sarandon, Michael Douglas, Julia Roberts, Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore, Kiefer Sutherland, Colin Farrell and countless others all having ties to some of the late filmmaker's greatest efforts.
The world has lost one of its greats today, and we here at JoBlo would like to extend our most sincere condolences to Mr. Schumacher's family, friends, and fans. It's at times like this when I like to say that even though we've lost one of Hollywood's most gifted visionaries, their work will live on throughout the ages as we continue to celebrate their lives and contributions to the entertainment industry. Rest well, Mr. Schumacher, and may you find peace in the great hereafter.