‘Star Wars’ Producer Gary Kurtz Dies at 78

“Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz has died at 78 in North London, England on Sunday Sept. 23. Kurtz was involved in the first two “Star Wars” movies after he served as a Marine during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969.

He worked with George Lucas and their first “Star Wars” and received 10 Oscar nominations, which including best picture for Kurtz, and they won six.

Later he left the team and felt that it was a shame the following “Star Wars” movie series were driven by the toy business instead of doing the best thing for making quality films, according to Variety.

“Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and mentor, whose work and talent spanned filmmaking, photography, music, and cinema history. He was a Marine, a world traveller, an outdoorsman, and a kind, compassionate human being,” his family said. In a statement the family reported that he died of cancer and will be greatly missed.

“RIP Gary Kurtz,” Peter Mayhew who has played Chewbacca tweeted on Sept. 24. “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.”

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Kutz first worked as an assistant director on “Ride in the Whirlwind” (1965). Other films he made includes “American Graffiti,” “The Dark Crystal,” “Return to Oz” (1985), “Slipstream” (1989), “The Seal,” and “5-25-77” (2007).

He actually filed for bankruptcy after “Slipstream” because some movies didn’t perform well. Nevertheless, his colleagues speak highly of his talents.

“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.” Lucasfilm put on its official website.