The king of B-movies Roger Corman has died at the age of 98

The so-called “King of B Movies” died on Thursday at his home in Santa Monica, California, surrounded by his family. His daughter Catherine confirmed his death but did not reveal a cause.

In a statement posted to Instagram Saturday evening, Roger’s family described him as “generous, open-minded and kind to all who knew him” and a “devoted and selfless father.”

His family noted that when asked how he wanted to be remembered, Corman once replied, “I was a filmmaker, just that.”

This wish will undoubtedly be fulfilled. Over the course of his storied career, which began in 1954, Roger directed and/or produced more than 300 films on a shoestring budget of just $29,000. Most of his blood-spattered films were brought to life together with the producer Samuel Z. Arkoff for American International Pictures.

Over the years he developed a huge cult following as his many fans enjoyed his cheap, no-frills films such as “A Bucket of Blood” (1959), “The Masque of the Red Death” (1964) and “The Wild Angels” ( 1966) and “The Little Shop of Horrors” (1960).

Roger was also responsible for launching some of Hollywood’s greatest filmmakers. His directors included protégés Jonathan Demme, Peter Bogdanovich And Ron Howardalong with Coppola and Scorsese.

Additionally, Jack Nicholson It was thanks to Roger that he got him his first film role as the lead in The Cry Baby Killer (1958). Jack appeared in a total of 8 Corman films.

He leaves behind his wife Bruce Dern, Peter Fonda And Boris Karloff. He worked into his 90s and made his final film, “The Jungle Demon,” in 2021.

Roger leaves behind his wife Julie and his daughters Catherine and Maria.

He was 98.