Santa Monica, California – Renowned independent filmmaker and mentor, Roger Corman, passed away at the age of 98 in his Santa Monica home, as his family confirmed on Saturday. Known as the “King of the Bs,” Corman was instrumental in the creation of low-budget classics such as “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Attack of the Crab Monsters,” giving many Hollywood talents their start in the industry.
Corman’s career began in 1955 with B-movies like “Black Scorpion,” “Bucket of Blood,” and “Bloody Mama.” He provided opportunities to now-famous filmmakers like Ron Howard, James Cameron, and Martin Scorsese. Despite the challenges of working with limited resources, Corman believed that low-budget films allowed for more creativity and experimentation.
In 1964, Corman married producer Julie Halloran, a UCLA graduate. The couple had four children – Catherine, Roger, Brian, and Mary. Corman’s impactful career also led to actor Jack Nicholson’s debut in the 1958 film “The Cry Baby Killer.” Nicholson later collaborated with Corman on various biker, horror, and action films, achieving great success in the film industry.
Born in Detroit and raised in Beverly Hills, Corman attended Stanford University before entering Hollywood after a stint in the Navy. He started as a messenger boy at Twentieth Century-Fox, eventually becoming a producer and director. His legacy is marked by his generosity, kindness, and love for filmmaking.
“He was generous, open-hearted, and kind to all those who knew him,” a family statement reflected on Corman. “When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that.’” Corman’s impact on independent filmmaking and his mentorship of emerging talents will always be remembered in the industry.