Robert Watts, famed “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” producer, died in his sleep Monday at the age of 86.
His representative, Julian Owen, confirmed the famous British producer and production manager died in his East Sussex, England home, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “We were with him for a decade taking him to conventions all over the world, where he could connect with fans and talk about his career,” Owen said, speaking on behalf of Alliance Agents. There is no indication of what may have caused Watts to pass away.
The legendary Robert Watts has passed away at the age of 86
Watts was production manager of the original Star Wars, an associate producer of The Empire Strikes Back, and co-producer of Return of the Jedi.
May the Force be with you, always pic.twitter.com/ZN2gPAsTYh
— Star Wars Holocron (@sw_holocron) October 1, 2024
A London native, Watts worked alongside George Lucas in the production of the original “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” trilogies. He later collaborated again with “Indiana Jones” director Steven Speilberg to produce animated classics “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988) and “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West” (1991), according to The Hollywood Reporter.
As production supervisor for the first “Star Wars” film, Watts traveled to Morocco and Tunisia to scout locations. He also did some third-unit directing.
He continued with the franchise, lending his talents as an associate producer on “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and co-producer on “Return of the Jedi” (1983).
Heartbroken to hear that Robert Watts has passed away. The afternoon we spent with him in 2018 was filled with such unforgettable stories.
He spoke about the passion needed to succeed in the industry. His own passion shone brightly, right until the end.
We owe you so much.❤️ pic.twitter.com/GB5uGWXqQr
— The Filmumentaries™ Podcast – Jamie Benning (@jamieswb) October 1, 2024
His earlier work included roles as second assistant director on “The Man in the Middle” (1964), “Repulsion” (1965), “Darling” (1965) and “Thunderball” (1965). He was a location manager on “You Only Live Twice” (1967), and a production manager on “Inspector Clouseau” (1968) and Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: “A Space Odyssey” (1968), according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Watts resume also included credit as a production manager on “The Wrath of God” (1972), “The Other Side of Midnight” (1977), and “Return to Oz” (1985), as well as “Alive” (1993) and Steven Seagal’s “On Deadly Ground” (1994).
Watts is survived by his children, Barney, Simon and Liddy, and his former wife, Julia. (RELATED: ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ Star Ken Page Dead At 70)
Fans, stars and loved ones continue to pay tribute to Watts on social media as they mourn this loss.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
