John Hughes - RIP
The man behind Ferris Bueller dies at 59
BY Aug 6th 2009 5:05AMFILED UNDER: Movie news
User Comments (8)
Legendary filmmaker John Hughes has died at the age of 59.
The man best known for his '80s movies such as Sixteen Candles, Pretty In Pink, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Planes, Trains And Automobiles, suffered a heart attack while on a trip to New York.
Hughes got his start as an advertising copywriter before selling jokes to the likes of Joan Rivers and Rodney Dangerfield.
The young writer won a place on staff at National Lampoon Magazine, which propelled him into screenwriting and, later, directing and producing.
As an astute chronicler of the teen experience, he made his name with The Breakfast Club (below) and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but proved himself capable of deeper work in sweet, smart comedies like Planes, Trains And Automobiles and She's Having A Baby.
Hughes had a sharp eye for nurturing young, talented actors and, in the mid-'80s, helped build what became known as The Brat Pack, a group of emerging stars including Rob Lowe, Demi Moore and Emilio Estevez.
While his later directed films didn't meet with quite the same level of success, Hughes' writing/producing efforts yielded huge hits like the Home Alone and Beethoven franchises.
His last director gig was 1991's Curly Sue, though he also continued to write, sometimes using the pseudonym Edmond Dantes, who remains credited with the story for 2008's Drillbit Taylor.
In 1994 he stepped back from filmmaking to run the family farm in Illinois while remaining linked to entertainment through his sponsorship of independent artists.
He's survived by wife Nancy, two sons and four grandchildren.
What's your favourite Hughes movie/moment? Tell...
Print Comments (8)
1: ChiefBrody says
For me it has to be Bueller...Bueller...Bueller and think that Planes, Trains and Automobiles is amazing as well and lest is not forget the Griswald clan.
Posted: Aug 6th 2009 // 11:51PMAlert a moderator
2: steveherbert69 says
For me you can't beat the breakfast club is a classic.
Posted: Aug 7th 2009 // 12:41AMAlert a moderator
3: PadmanForever says
My goodness, where do you start?!
The Breakfast Club? Planes, Trains & Automobiles? The National Lampoon Vacation Series? Home Alone 1&2? Heck, even Flubber gave me undeniable laughs as a kid.
RIP, John. Can't wait for this year's showing of Christmas Vacation.
Posted: Aug 7th 2009 // 1:36AMAlert a moderator
4: PadmanForever says
My goodness, where do you start?!
The Breakfast Club? Planes, Trains & Automobiles? The National Lampoon Vacation Series? Home Alone 1&2? Heck, even Flubber gave me undeniable laughs as a kid.
RIP, John. Can't wait for this year's showing of Christmas Vacation.
Posted: Aug 7th 2009 // 1:37AMAlert a moderator
5: raydar13 says
what a loss, Hughes has given me countless laughs with his mighty catalogue of greats. I couldnt even count how many viewings the breakfast club, planes trains and ferris have notched up but i know theyll be getting another couple over this coming weekend. Even drillbit taylor had Danny mcbride making me laugh! They dont make honest, innocent comedys like his anymore, you cant see a comedy now without farts and sex jokes. Shame
Posted: Aug 7th 2009 // 11:12AMAlert a moderator
6: ChrisWootton says
Without hesitation it has to be (from Weird Science):
"What are you guys doing in there?"
"Gary was just taking a s**t!"
Cue the best and most well timed slap in movie history. He will be missed but his films are going to live on forever.
Posted: Aug 7th 2009 // 12:03PMAlert a moderator
7: JohnJDuffy says
I must say I am saddened by this news his films all great but for me this film stands out
Uncle Buck
Thank you John R.I.P
Posted: Aug 7th 2009 // 2:57PMAlert a moderator
8: Nealsreviews1 says
Farmer Ted, John Bender, Duckie, & Ferris live on & all the other quirky characters he created, acinema genuis who epitomized the teen angst comedy film. What a filmography this man has given us...
The Breakfast Club
Sixteen Candles
Pretty In Pink
Weird Science
Some Kind of Wonderful
Ferris Buellers Day Off
the list goes on.....
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