Hollywood Legend Laid to Rest at 98

(NationRise.com) – An iconic Hollywood producer has died at the age of 98.

Roger Corman, who earned the nickname “King of Bs” for his exclusive work on low-budget movies, died while at home with his family on May 9th in Santa Monica, CA. Relatives confirmed his death on social media but did not list a cause. However, they did describe him as a “generous” person who was loved deeply by those closest to him.

Over the span of nearly 70 years, Roger Corman left an indelible mark on the film industry, producing a plethora of B films. Most of his early projects were filmed in a matter of weeks or even days, typically on budgets less than $60,000. His dedication and unique approach to filmmaking earned him an Oscar award in 2009, a testament to his significant contributions.

He also worked as a filmmaker and director for low-budget films. His work includes the original “Little Shop of Horrors,” released in 1960. Its 1986 remake was a commercial success. Many of his independent films helped amateur directors, including Jonathan Demme, kickstart lucrative careers that would later make them household names.

Corman also mentored some of the film industry’s best-known producers. Among them were Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, and Francis Ford Coppola.

Additionally, his films served as a stepping stone for several A-list celebrities, including Dennis Hopper, William Shatner, Jack Nicholson, and Robert De Niro, to name a few.

Corman initially studied engineering when he went to college in the 1940s. However, he decided to shift his focus to film in the 1950s. He was among the few Hollywood luminaries who didn’t limit himself to one or two genres. His films spanned across comedies, westerns, mysteries, and science fiction. His big break came during his work with “Monster from the Ocean Floor.” He also served as the producer for nine “Bloodfist movies” released from 1989 to 2005.

He also opened his own production company, New World Pictures, in 1970. It initially focused on films but expanded into television in 1984. In founding the company, he acknowledged that, in his view, film was largely compromised. It necessarily had to find the right balance between business and art.