[James]

Gary Kurtz, the producer of Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back has died, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

He was 78.

In a statement, his family said he died from cancer on Sunday in North London, England.

"Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and mentor, whose work and talent spanned filmmaking, photography, music, and cinema history," the statement read. "He was a Marine, a world traveller, an outdoorsman, and a kind, compassionate human being. His life’s work was to share the wonder of audio visual storytelling through the art of film. Well-known for his work as the producer of American Graffiti, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Dark Crystal, Gary was passionate about telling stories that shared the humanity of characters in entertaining ways for audiences around the world. Gary was a magnificent man, who will be hugely missed. His whole family thanks you for your loving thoughts."

Actor Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in a number of the Star Wars films, tweeted Monday about losing Kurtz.

"RIP Gary Kurtz," he wrote. "A great filmmaker and man has just passed. Without him there would have been no "force". You will be remembered in the incredible films you made that touched the lives of millions."

On the official Star Wars site, a statement was also posted, which read in part, "A man of immense talent and intelligence, Kurtz will be missed greatly by Lucasfilm, and we’ll remember his many contributions to Star Wars and film."

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/he...source=twitter

[Tony Montana]

RIP

[arista]

A Sad Loss