Some sad news today, as the “Star Wars” family has lost one of its first and most important members, as producer Gary Kurtz has passed away at the age of 78.
Gary Kurtz served as producer and worked with George Lucas on “American Graffiti,” “A New Hope,” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” collaborating and contributing to many aspects of the first two “Star Wars” movies that we all know and love.
Here is a statement released by his family via the Kurtz Joiner Archive Facebook page:
With deep love and respect, the family of Gary Kurtz is sad to share that he has passed away. He died from cancer on September 23rd 2018, 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. 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.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Gary Kurtz’s family and friends at this difficult time.
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