Photo: George Rose/Getty
Bob Rafelson — the Oscar-nominated director best known for producing classics likeEasy RiderandThe Last Picture Show, and creator ofThe Monkees— has died at age 89.
The veteran filmmaker died of natural causes Saturday while at his home in Aspen, Colorado, according toVarietyandThe Hollywood Reporter.
In 1965, he partnered with Bert Schneider and created Raybert Productions which later became BBS Productions. The two created a fictional band and television series calledThe Monkees,which turned into a major success, scoring him an Emmy for outstanding comedy series in 1967.
Rafelson also directed and co-wroteFive Easy PiecesandThe King of Marvin Gardensstarring Jack Nicholson, who credited him with helping launch his career. In 1971, Rafelson received Oscar nominations forFive Easy Piecesfor Best Picture and Screenplay.
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Regarded as one of the founding figures of the New Hollywood era, Rafelson was also the driving force behind 1969’sEasy Riderand 1971’sThe Last Picture Show. He also helped bring in talents includingMartin Scorsese, Brian De Palma andSteven Spielberg.
Rafelson continued to direct until the early 2000s, with his final feature film credit including the 2002 thrillerNo Good DeedstarringSamuel L. Jackson. After leaving Hollywood, he focused on raising his two sons —E.O. and Harper— whom he shared with his second wife Gabrielle Taurek.
After learning about his death, the last surviving member of The Monkees, Micky Dolenz released a statement to honor the late Hollywood legend, perVariety.
source: people.com
