Ron Howard shared a heartfelt tribute to the late Roger Corman, labeling him his “mentor” throughout his career
Corman, an actor, filmmaker, and producer, died on May 9 at the age of 98. His family shared a statement on Instagram announcing the news.
“It is with profound sadness, and boundless gratitude for his extraordinary life, that we remember our beloved husband and father, Roger Corman,” they wrote on his Instagram account. “He passed away on May 9th, at home in Santa Monica, California, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Julie and his daughters Catherine and Mary.”
Additionally, “He was generous, open-hearted, and kind to all those who knew him,” they continued. “A devoted and selfless father, he was deeply loved by his daughters. 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.'”
They signed the message: “Julie, Catherine and Mary Corman.”
Ron Howard Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Roger Corman
Following Corman’s death, Howard, who worked with Corman on his first movie, Grand Theft Auto, shared a beautiful message.
“RIP Roger Corman. A great movie maker and mentor. When I was 23 he gave me my 1st shot at directing,” he wrote. “He launched many careers & quietly [led] our industry in important ways. He remained sharp, interested, and active even at 98. Grateful to have known him.”
Additionally, “Ah. I remember him well,” someone responded on X. “He had a good run and look at the contribution he made. Wonderful.”
Another added, “Thanks to Roger Corman, I have to explain to my wife why I was up past 4 AM tonight watching The Little Shop of Horrors, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Raven RIP Roger Corman. Thank you for stopping by and sharing so much.”
“I was just thinking about him and how he helped so many big-time directors get their start,” a third person wrote.
Furthermore, Corman is also credited for the launch of Francis Ford Coppola, among others.
“Today I grieve the passing of Roger Corman,” Coppola wrote on Instagram. “He was my first boss, task master, teacher, mentor, and role model. He was born in Detroit, MI, as I was, in April on the 5th, two days and 13 years before me. There is nothing about the practical matter of making movies I didn’t learn by being his assistant.”