RIP Eugenio Zanetti

 

Eugenio Zanetti, Oscar-Winning Production Designer of “Restoration,” Dies at 79

The Eric Alper

September 19, 2026

 

A trip to Europe in the mid-1960s brought a young Eugenio Zanetti into the orbit of Pier Paolo Pasolini, landing him a role in the director’s film adaptation of Medea and setting in motion a career that would eventually carry him to an Academy Award. Zanetti died on September 18, 2026, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 79.

Born on October 19, 1946, in Córdoba, Argentina, Zanetti returned home after his father’s death to help support his family, and went on to establish himself within Argentine cinema, designing sets for Mario Sábato’s The Power of Darkness in 1979, which earned him a Moscow Film Festival Award for Design, and Alejandro Doria’s Los Pasajeros del jardín in 1982.

Zanetti relocated to Los Angeles during the Falklands War, launching his Hollywood career as production designer on Wayne Wang’s Slam Dance in 1987. He went on to design sets for Some Girls, which won a Toronto Festival of Festivals Design Award, along with Flatliners, Soapdish, and Last Action Hero. His work on 1995’s Restoration earned him the Academy Award for Best Art Direction. Zanetti’s Hollywood credits continued through What Dreams May Come in 1998, The Haunting in 1999, Alfonso Arau’s Zapata: El sueño de un héroe in 2004, and Roland Joffé’s There Be Dragons in 2011.

Beyond film, Zanetti built an extensive career in theatre and opera, directing more than 40 productions across Europe and South America, including Verdi’s A Masked Ball and Nabucco and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Tosca. As a musical theatre director in Argentina, he won the Thalia Award, the country’s equivalent of the Tony, for productions including They’re Playing Our Song, Chicago, Dracula, and an adaptation of Philippa Gregory’s The White Queen, and separately earned a Star of the Sea Award for The Cherry Orchard, Chapter Two, Company, and Peer Gynt.

In 2014, Zanetti wrote and directed his first film, Amapola, a fantasy drama starring Camilla Belle, François Arnaud, Geraldine Chaplin, Leonor Benedetto, Lito Cruz and Elena Roger.

Zanetti spoke openly in a 2017 interview with the Idries Shah Foundation about the profound influence Sufi mysticism and the writings of Idries Shah had on his life and work since he first encountered them at 19, describing the tradition’s impact on him as immense and its depth as incredible.

Eugenio Zanetti’s decades of work across film, theatre and opera brought a singular visual imagination to productions on both sides of the Atlantic, and his Oscar-winning design for Restoration remains a defining achievement of a career built on transforming stories into fully realized worlds.

ZANETTI, Eugenio

Born: 10/19/1949, Córdoba, Argentina

Died: 9/18/2026, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

Eugenio Zanetti’s western – Production Designer

Tall Tale – 1995 [production designer]

RIP Stephanie Cole

 

Stephanie Cole Dies: British Star Of ‘Open All Hours’ & ‘Doc Martin’ Was 84

DEADLINE

By Max Goldbart

September 18, 2026

 

Stephanie Cole, the popular British actress who was one of the stars of Open All Hours, has died aged 84. She had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years.

Cole’s agent John Grant announced the news in a statement shared with press this afternoon.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephanie Cole, OBE,” he said. “She passed away this morning at the age of 84. Stephanie had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for some years.”

Grant added: “Stephanie was an extraordinary talent whose long and distinguished career included many iconic performances in theatre and television. She brought joy to millions through her many much-loved roles in sitcom and drama. She will also be remembered for her tireless work supporting mental health charities. During this incredibly difficult time, the family kindly requests privacy.”

Born in Solihull in 1941, Cole trained at the famous Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and made her stage debut playing the eccentric Madame Arcati in Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit, which she later revived.

Her big break came in 1980 playing Dr Beatrice Mason in Tenko, a BBC drama that chronicled the lives of British women in Singapore after the Japanese invasion. She was then cast in Roy Clarke and Ronnie Barker’s hit sitcom Open All Hours, in which she played Mrs Featherstone for 10 episodes. The show about a grumpy, penny-pinching shopkeeper, played by Barker, is one of the best-known BBC sitcoms of all time and was revived in 2013 as Still Open All Hours, for which Cole returned.

Cole’s other TV credits down the years included Talking Heads, A Bit of a Do, Keeping Mum, Doc Martin and Coronation Street.

On stage she appeared in The Mousetrap, Noises Off and A Passionate Woman.

Cole’s husband, fellow actor Peter Birrel, died in 2004. She is survived by one daughter from her previous marriage.

COLE, Stephanie (Patricia Stephanie Cole)

Born: 10/5/1941, Solihull, Warwickshire, England, U.K.

Died: 9/18/2026, England, U.K.

 

Stephanie Cole’s western – actress:

Grey Owl - 1999 (Ada Belaney)

RIP Elio Zamuto

 

Farewell to Elio Zamuto: the Syracusan voice of Doctor Procton who led the Goldrake generation

With his reassuring voice, he has accompanied generations of Italians in the role of Doctor Procton and numerous protagonists of both the big and small screens.

La Sicillia

ByFabio Russello

September 16, 2026

 

Passed away on September 9, 2026, at the age of 85, Elio Zamuto, stage name of Elio Mazzamuto. Born in Siracusa on May 1, 1941, actor, voice actor, and voice director, he leaves a deep mark in the world of Italian entertainment and in the memory of entire generations of viewers.

The city of Aretusa maintains a special bond with him: it was his warm, deep, and reassuring voice that gave a sound face to Doctor Procton (Genzo Umon), director of the Space Research Center and adoptive father of Actarus in the legendary series UFO Robot Goldrake, which arrived in Italy in the late 1970s.

For the children who discovered the cartoon in 1978, his performance transformed the scientist into a wise and fatherly presence, a constant guide in the fight against the threats from Vega.

The relationship between Zamuto and the character remained strong over time: the artist returned to voice Procton in the subsequent re-releases of the series and in the feature film UFO Robot Goldrake against Great Mazinger.

Zamuto's career naturally spanned both cinema and voice acting. On the big screen, he was a recognizable face of Italian cinema in the 1970s, particularly standing out in crime films.

At the same time, he built an important career in dubbing, also as a director, lending his voice to numerous actors and animated characters; among the most remembered roles is Professor Shiba in Jeeg Robot d’Acciaio.

With his passing, Siracusa and Italy bid farewell to a great master of voice, an interpreter capable of accompanying and protecting the dreams of an entire generation.

ZAMUTO, Elio (Elio Mazzamuto)

Born: 5/1/1941, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

Died: 9/9/2026, Oriolo Romano, Viterbo, Italy

 

Elio Zamuto’s westerns – voice actor

Rin Tin Tin (TV) – 1957 [Italian voice of James Brown]

In the Name of the Father of the Son and of the Colt – 1971 [Italian voice of Craig Hill]

Gunmen and the Holy Ghost – 1972 [Italian voice of Tom Felleghy]

Trinity ans Sartana are Coming – 1972 [Italian voice of Romano Puppo]

The Son of Zorro – 1973 [Italian voice of Fernando Sancho]

The Outlaw Josey Wales – 1976 [Italian voice of Will Sampson]

RIP Ralf Richter

 

Ralf Richter Dies at 69, ‘Das Boot’ and ‘Bang Boom Bang’ Actor

Cedar News

9/15/2026

 

German actor Ralf Richter, best known for his roles in “Das Boot” and “Bang Boom Bang,” has died at the age of 69.

Richter died peacefully at his home in Cologne overnight, his manager confirmed on behalf of his family.

His son Maxwell Richter also announced his father’s death on social media on Tuesday.

Richter had been struggling with health problems for some time. His son said the actor had suffered from COPD and heart problems.

Born in Essen in 1957, Richter became widely known after appearing in Wolfgang Petersen’s acclaimed 1981 war film “Das Boot.”

He later became a cult figure in German cinema through his portrayal of Kalle Grabowski in the 1999 crime comedy “Bang Boom Bang.”

Richter appeared in numerous films and television productions during a career spanning more than four decades, frequently playing tough or unconventional characters.

His other credits included “Superstau,” “Was nicht passt, wird passend gemacht,” “Goldene Zeiten,” “Tatort” and “Alarm für Cobra 11.”

Richter had remained professionally active until recently, appearing at public events and continuing to work on film projects.

His family described his death as unexpected and far too early.

RICHTER, Ralph

Born: 8/17/1957, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Died: 9/14/2026, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

 

Ralph Richter’s westerns – actor:

ProSieben Funny Movie – Spiel mir das Lied und Du bist tot  (TV)– 2007 (Grandpa St.

     John)

Scalped Alive – 2014 (Confederate general)

RIP Bob Mackie

 

Bob Mackie, legendary designer who dressed Cher and Diana Ross, dies at 87

Known as the “sultan of sequins,” Mackie dressed some of Hollywood’s biggest names over more than 50 years.

NBC News

By Alicia Victoria Lozano

September 14, 2026

 

Legendary fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie, whose sequined gowns for Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner and other stars dazzled red carpets for decades, has sewn his final stitch.

Mackie died Monday at 87, according to a post on his Instagram account.

“He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do,” the post read. “His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”

Known as the “sultan of sequins,” Mackie dressed some of Hollywood’s biggest names over more than 50 years. His creations for celebrities like Carol Burnett, Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand stunned both performers and fans alike.

Born in the Los Angeles suburb of Monterey Park, Mackie started out as a costume design sketch artist in 1961 before being tapped to create a new look for actress, singer and dancer Mitzi Gaynor in 1966, according to a short biography on his website.

“This was a marriage made in heaven with dance, glamour and comedy all in one package,” the biography read.

His first independent creations caught Burnett’s attention. Her producer hired him to design the complete wardrobe for “The Carol Burnett Show,” a post he held for 11 seasons.

A star was born.

In 1999 he won an Emmy for “Cher: Live in Concert from Las Vegas” and another in 2003 for “Cher: The Farewell Tour,” according to the biography on his website.

In 1982, Mackie launched a ready-to-wear collection and a line of collectable Barbie dolls, which featured red carpet-ready dresses complete with headdresses, dramatic long trains and his signature sequins glow.

Mackie won nine Emmy Awards and three Oscar nods over the course of his illustrious career. He was nominated for 30 Emmys.

“Women who wear Mackie dare to be noticed, and many of the entertainment industries biggest and brightest stars are still clamoring to be dressed by him,” the posted biography reads. “With his choice of vibrant colors, luxurious fabrics, and intricate detail, Bob Mackie’s work continues to exude timeless glamour.”

MACKIE, Bob (Robert Gordon Mackie)

Born: 3/24/1939, Monterey Park, California, U.S.A.

Died: 9/14/2026, Palm Springs, California, U.S.A.

 

Bob Mackie’s western – costume designer:

The Villain – 1979

RIP David Worth

 

In Memoriam: DAVID WORTH, Director of Kickboxer and Cinematic Architect of Bloodsport, Dies at 86

Film Combat Syndicate

By Mike Garcia

September 8, 2026

 

The martial arts film community is in mourning following the passing of legendary cinematographer, director, and B-movie maestro David Worth, who died on September 7, 2026, at the age of 86. Worth leaves behind an indelible blueprint on the action genre, having served as the visual architect for Bloodsport (1988) and the director behind the global phenomenon Kickboxer (1989)

Leading the tributes was action icon Jean-Claude Van Damme, whose early career was profoundly shaped by Worth’s eye for combat choreography and cinematic style. “From Bloodsport to Kickboxer, David’s talent and vision helped create two martial arts classics that changed my life,” Van Damme shared in an emotional statement. “Thank you for your friendship and for the magic we made together. Rest in peace, my friend. You will always be part of my journey.”

David Worth didn’t just capture fights; he helped craft the aesthetic that defined late-80s and early-90s action cinema. His break into the upper echelons of martial arts lore came when he served as the Director of Photography on Bloodsport. His framing of the underground “Kumite” and stars like Van Damme and Bolo Yeung turned a low-budget feature into an international cult classic.

Recognizing his sharp instincts, production quickly tapped him to step into the director’s chair for Kickboxer (1989). Filmed on location in Thailand, Worth brilliantly juxtaposed the serene, rich cultural backdrops of ancient temples with the raw, brutal intensity of underground Muay Thai arenas. He was instrumental in managing the camera placements around Van Damme’s custom-choreographed fight sequences, helping to birth the iconic, slow-motion spinning kicks and grueling training montages that generations of martial artists still replicate today. Kickboxer is widely credited as the landmark film that popularized Muay Thai globally.

Beyond his legendary collaborations with JCVD, Worth was a relentless, passionate filmmaker who was deeply respected by actors and indie crews alike, Co-stars and crew members, including Kickboxer villain Michel Qissi (Tong Po), shared their pride in having worked with him. Up-and-coming filmmakers frequently remembered Worth as a deeply encouraging mentor who maintained an infectious, relentless passion for the craft even late into his career. Genre staple Cynthia Rothrockmourned the loss of her long-time friend, who directed her in the beloved action vehicles Lady Dragon (1992) and Lady Dragon 2 (1993).

Worth was incredibly versatile, handling cinematography for mainstream features like Clint Eastwood’s Bronco Billy (1980) and Any Which Way You Can (1980), while later directing cult camp pieces like Shark Attack 2 (2000) and Shark Attack 3: Megalodon

David Worth didn’t need massive Hollywood budgets to create cinematic magic. Armed with an innate understanding of lighting, timing, and raw human movement, he gave audiences timeless spectacles of honor, resilience, and triumph. While the maestro behind the lens is gone, his frame-by-frame contributions to action cinema will live on forever.

WORTH, David (David Paul Wertheimer)

Born: 3/2/1940, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Died: 9/7/2026, Sunland, California, U.S.A.

 

David Burth’s westerns – cinematographer:

Bloody Trail – 1972 [cinematographer, editor, production manager]

To Hell You Preach – 1972 [cinematographer]

The Legend of Frank Woods – 1977 [cinematographer]

The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams (TV) – 1977-1978[cinematographer]

Bronco Billy – 1980 [cinematographer]

Contested Ground – 2016 [technical advisor]

The Big Muddy (TV) 2017 [cinematographer]

RIP Jeremy Thomas

 

Jeremy Thomas, Oscar-Winning Producer for Bertolucci, Cronenberg, and Herzog’s ‘Bucking Fastard,’ Dead at 77

Jeremy Thomas won the Best Picture Oscar in 1988 for Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor." He's a key talking head in Luca Guadagnino's new documentary about the Italian filmmaker," "Joie de Vivre," which just premiered in Venice.

Indie Wire

By Ryan Lattanzio

September 12, 2026

 

Jeremy Thomas put his weight behind some of the riskiest — and most fondly remembered — pictures in Hollywood across a nearly 60-year-long career. The UK-based Thomas died on September 11 at age 77, as confirmed by his family in a statement. (Via Deadline.)

“Jeremy Thomas, the celebrated British producer of ‘The Last Emperor’ and of over 40 other films, has died, at the age of 77,” the statement reads. “Thomas passed away peacefully at his country home in Oxfordshire late on Friday 11th, surrounded by his family and loved ones.”

Thomas is best known for his collaborations with David Cronenberg (the kinky 1996 “Crash” that stoked jury president Francis Ford Coppola’s ire at the Cannes Film Festival), Bernardo Bertolucci (“The Last Emperor,” which won the Best Picture Oscar), Jonathan Glazer (“Sexy Beast”), Phillip Noyce (“Rabbit-Proof Fence”), and Jim Jarmusch (“Only Lovers Left Alive”), among other auteurs. Thomas also produced Nicolas Roeg’s trippy psychodrama “Bad Timing,” which continued the British director’s streak of brilliant offbeat arthouse movies after “Walkabout” and “Don’t Look Now.”

Thomas also produced Cronenberg’s “A Dangerous Method” and “Naked Lunch.” He worked with Terry Gilliam on the auteur’s hugely controversial 2005 film “Tideland,” which starred Jeff Bridges and depicted a small child navigating a nightmarish adult world. Another of Thomas’ credits includes Nagisa Oshima’s “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” from 1983, starring David Bowie, and now synonymous with Ryuichi Sakamoto’s piano score.

While not in attendance at the Venice Film Festival, Thomas’ presence was felt in the selection in a couple of ways. One of his final producing credits was on Werner Herzog’s Venice competition title “Bucking Fastard,” starring Rooney and Kate Mara. He also produced Takashi Miike’s stab at the “Bad Lieutenant” universe (realized previously by Herzog and Abel Ferrara over the years) with “Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo,” premiering this week at TIFF. Thomas is also one of the key talking heads in Luca Guadagnino’s seven-hour documentary about Bernardo Bertolucci, “Joie de Vivre,” as Thomas also produced “Stealing Beauty,” “The Sheltering Sky,” “Little Buddha,” and “The Dreamers.”

Thomas was born on July 26, 1949, moving into a life of making films at a young age. He founded the Recorded Picture Company in the 1970s, launching with Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski’s Cannes winner “The Shout.” The excellent cult psychological thriller stars Alan Bates, Susannah York, and John Hurt, and is coming to the Criterion Collection this fall.

He is most remembered for “Crash,” Cronenberg’s J. G. Ballard adaptation about sexual deviants with a car-crash fetish and especially around reliving the deaths of Jayne Mansfield and James Dean. The film weathered censorship concerns to become a cult classic. It was “The Last Emperor” that won him the Oscar for Best Picture. Bertolucci’s 1987 Chinese epic was independently financed and took three years to make.

THOMAS, Jeremy (Jeremy Jack Thomas)

Born: 7/26/1949, London, England, U.K.

Died: 9/12/2026, Oxfordshire, England, U.K.

 

Jeremy Thomas’s westerns – producr:

Mad Dog Morgan – 1976

The Dead Don’t Hurt – 2023