Renowned Names from the Hollywood Industry Pay Tribute to the Late Roger Corman

The cinematic world is mourning the death of filmmaker Roger Corman. The American filmmaker breathed his last on May 9, 2024, at age 98. The legend’s glory was celebrated in the entire cinematic industry. He was known under various monikers such as “The Pope of Pop Cinema,” “The Spiritual Godfather of the New Hollywood,” and “The King of Cult.” He was known as a trailblazer in the world of independent cinema. 

The filmmaker mentored and gave a start to many young film directors such as Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, and many more. Apart from giving a start to renowned filmmakers in the industry, his hand was also behind the launch of the careers of several actors, including Jack Nicholson. While the film industry paid tribute to the legendary auteur, one particular clip from the archives went viral across social media. In the video, an emotional Jack Nicholson is seen breaking down in tears while talking about the impact Roger Corman had on his life and career. 

In the wake of his death, thousands of fans and those who worked with him on his many movies shared their feelings of loss and shared clips and images from the Corman catalog, including Little Shop of Horrors, The Masque of the Red Death, The Raven, and countless others.

A particular clip from the documentary Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel, released in 2011, resonated deeply with fans after the death of Roger Corman. The clip featured Jack Nicholson, who had his breakthrough role in Corman’s film Little Shop of Horrors, expressing his emotions about what made Corman so significant to him and many others. In the clip, he says:

“There’s no one in there that he didn’t, in the most important way, support. I mean he was my main connect, my lifeblood to whatever I thought I was gonna be and as a person. And I hope he knows this is not all hot air…I’m gonna cry now. Not just me, who’s very sentimental, but he started people off, so I love him.”

Nicholson’s honest and heartfelt words are poignant as they reflect the deep connection he had with Corman. Roger Corman supported Nicholson during his struggling period and showed his faith in him by giving him his first break. It was Corman’s trust in Nicholson that made him an incredible and well-established actor today.

Celebrities paid tribute to Roger Corman on Social Media

Hollywood spent the weekend paying tribute to Roger Corman, who passed away last Thursday. His family said in a statement, “He was generous, open-hearted, and kind to all those who knew him. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that.’”

When the news of his passing surfaced, many who worked with Roger Corman paid tribute to the filmmaker on social media. Ron Howard wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “A great movie maker and mentor. When I was 23, he gave me my first shot at directing. He launched many careers and quietly led our industry in important ways. He remained sharp, interested, and active even at 98. I am grateful to have known him.”

John Carpenter, the acclaimed horror director, wrote that Corman was “one of the most influential movie directors in my life. It was my privilege to know him. He was a great friend. He shaped my childhood with science fiction movies and Edgar Allen Poe epics. I’ll miss you, Roger.”

Writer Joe Russo wrote, “There isn’t a modern Hollywood without legendary writer, director, and producer Roger Corman. His passing at 98 is a profound loss to cinema. We are all in his debt. Rest easy, Maestro.”

Though Roger Corman is no longer with us, his contribution to the cinematic world will always be remembered.