Los Angeles, California – Acclaimed writer-producer Roberto Orci, known for his work on popular projects like “Star Trek” and “Transformers,” passed away on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 51 due to complications from kidney disease.
Orci, alongside his creative partner Alex Kurtzman, achieved success with reboots of iconic franchises such as “Star Trek” and “Transformers.” Their collaboration also led to the development of hit TV shows like “Fringe” and the 2010 reboot of “Hawaii Five-0,” showcasing Orci’s diverse talents in both film and television production.
The Mexican-born Orci’s journey in the entertainment industry began at Crossroads School in Los Angeles, where he first met Kurtzman. Together, they embarked on a prolific career, starting with writing for television series like “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” before transitioning to becoming showrunners on “Alias” and later creating the acclaimed sci-fi series “Fringe.”
In 2014, Orci announced his decision to part ways with Kurtzman in film projects, moving on to develop the series “Matador” for the El Rey network. However, his life took a tumultuous turn in August 2024 when he faced serious allegations of domestic abuse from his wife, actor Adele Heather Taylor.
The legal battle between Orci and Taylor unfolded in public, with both parties accusing each other of various forms of abuse and manipulation. Despite the challenging times, Orci’s spokesperson stood by his side, refuting the allegations made against him and highlighting the complexity of the situation.
In his final days, Orci was surrounded by his loving family, including his parents, stepmother, and siblings, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. His contributions to film and television will be remembered by his fans and colleagues, honoring his creative vision and dedication to storytelling.