Roger Corman: Pioneer of Independent Cinema and King of B Movies, Passes Away at 98
Roger Corman, the renowned figure in B-movie production, known for his direction and production of numerous low-budget films, as well as for fostering the careers of future industry stars such as Jack Nicholson, Martin Scorsese, and Robert De Niro, passed away at the age of 98.
Corman passed away on May 9 at his residence in Santa Monica, California, surrounded by his family, according to confirmation from Variety.
His films were regarded as revolutionary and iconoclastic, capturing the essence of their time. In a statement, his family noted, “His films were revolutionary and iconoclastic, and captured the spirit of an age. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that.'”
Corman’s cinematic empire, encompassing various iterations such as New World Pictures and Concorde/New Horizons, rivaled major studios in activity and profitability. Specializing in fast-paced, low-budget genre movies spanning horror, action, science fiction, and even family-friendly fare, his company served as a training ground for numerous talents, from actors like Nicholson (“Little Shop of Horrors”) and De Niro (“Boxcar Bertha”) to directors like Francis Ford Coppola (“Dementia 13”) and Scorsese (“Boxcar Bertha”).
At the inaugural Governors Awards ceremony hosted by the AMPAS in November 2009, Corman was honored with an Oscar. Ron Howard praised him for his inclusive hiring practices, highlighting his commitment to providing opportunities for women in executive and creative roles. Reflecting on Corman’s impact, Walter Moseley noted, “Corman offered ‘one of the few open doors,’ looking beyond age, race, and gender.”
Throughout his career, Corman championed film as “the only truly modern art form.” However, he acknowledged the perpetual negotiation between artistic vision and financial constraints necessitated by cast and crew payments.
Quentin Tarantino expressed gratitude to Corman on behalf of movie lovers worldwide, while Jonathan Demme lauded his value-driven approach to filmmaking. Even in his later years, Corman continued to produce low-budget films, maintaining the B-movie market’s vitality in the face of evolving entertainment landscapes.
Born in Detroit and raised in Los Angeles, Corman’s early fascination with movies paved the way for his illustrious career. After a brief stint at Stanford University, where he studied engineering, he immersed himself in the film industry, eventually carving a niche for himself as a prolific producer and director.
Corman’s legacy extends beyond his cinematic achievements. His memoir, “Maverick: How I Made 200 Movies in Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime,” provides insight into his remarkable journey. He received numerous accolades, including the Producers Award at the Cannes Film Festival and the David O. Selznick Award from the Producers Guild of America.
In 2011, Alex Stapleton’s documentary “Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel” celebrated his enduring influence on the film industry. Last year, the Los Angeles Press Club honored him with the Distinguished Storyteller Award.
Roger Corman leaves behind his wife, producer Julie Corman, and their daughters, Catherine and Mary, as well as a lasting legacy that continues to shape the cinematic landscape.
