LOS ANGELES (Deadline)—Vanishing Point director Richard C. Sarafian died today in Santa Monica of complications from pneumonia. He was 83, reported Deadline.com.
The New York City-born Sarafian had suffered a fall recently where he broke several ribs and back. He contracted the infection while recovering from that incident. Sarafian’s helming of the iconic 1971 car pic was an inspiration to Quentin Tarantino, who gave the director a Special Thanks in the credits of 2007’s car-themed Death Proof.
The director was also behind the camera on a number of episodes of TV shows like Batman, I Spy, 77 Sunset Strip and Gunsmoke. His last directing job was a 2011 episode of Zorro: The Legend Continues. Sarafian was a presence in front of the camera too. Among his various acting jobs, his good friend Warren Beatty cast him in both Bullworth and Bugsy.
May God bless his soul.
My father and I met Richard at a local bakery a few years ago, both men were the same age with similar health issues. Mr Sarafian was so friendly, cordial and encouraging, a VERY nice man!
May God rest his soul. I’ve seen him in couple of films and own a copy of Vanishing Point.
To a great friend and talent whose contribution to the film industry will sorely be missed. His special ability to pierce the truth with uncanny irony was profound. Author Adela Gregory