John Hughes, Director of '80s Teen Classics, Dies

By PopEater Staff Posted Aug 6th 2009 04:40PM

Film director John Hughes has died at age 59 of a heart attack while taking a morning walk during a trip to New York City to visit family.

Hughes was responsible for some of the most successful comedy films of the 1980s and 1990s, including 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', 'Weird Science', 'The Breakfast Club', 'National Lampoon's Vacation', 'Sixteen Candles', 'Pretty in Pink,' 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles,' and 'Home Alone 1 & 2.'

'Sixteen Candles'

'Breakfast Club'

Hughes had gotten his start as a writer for National Lampoon magazine. Children of the 1980s flocked to his teen trilogy made up of 'Sixteen Candles,' 'The Breakfast Club' and 'Weird Science' which helped to define a generation and make stars out of Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall.

Hughes' imprint was felt on several of his writing efforts too, ranging from 'Pretty in Pink' to 'Some Kind of Wonderful' as well as 'National Lampoon's Vacation' and the 'European' and 'Christmas' sequels. See Classic Hughes Quotes

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Remembering John Hughes

Filmmaker John Hughes was responsible for some of the most defining movies of the '80s as the writer/director of 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' 'Breakfast Club' and more. Take a look back at his many, wonderful accomplishments.

Everett Collection

Remembering John Hughes

John Hughes (producer), son James Hughes (writer), Kyle Cooper (director) on the set of New Port South.

Everett Collection

Filmmaker John Hughes was responsible for some of the most defining movies of the '80s as the writer/director of 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' 'Breakfast Club' and more.

Everett Collection

Director John Hughes on the set of 'Weird Science' in 1985.

Everett Collection

Director John Hughes with Mark Schoeffling and Molly Ringwald, the stars of his film 'Sixteen Candles.'

Everett Collection

Jon Cryer, Andrew McCarthy, Molly Ringwald - stars of Hughes' film 'Pretty in Pink.'

Everett Collection

John Hughes wrote and directed 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' starring Matthew Broderick in 1986.

Everett Collection

'Breakfast Club' starring Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall in 1985.

Everett Collection

Hughes had a gift for discovering talent. Other than Ringwald, stars like Robert Downey Jr., Bill Paxton, Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez and Jon Cryer had major career breaks courtesy of Hughes productions. His 1986 teen classic 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' which he wrote and directed, helped turn Matthew Broderick into a leading man. Track Down Locations for Hughes' Classics Hughes films' also captured the sounds of the times, with soundtracks for several films including 'Breakfast Club' and 'Pretty in Pink' producing new wave classics that were also chart toppers.

In the later years of his Hollywood career, Hughes turned towards more adult and family films, including his holiday classic 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' and 'Uncle Buck,' both starring the late John Candy. He also was a writer on the blockbuster comedy 'Home Alone.' Hughes hadn't directed a film since 1991's 'Curly Sue.' His last produced screenplay was 1998's 'Reach the Rock.'

"Those Aren't Pillows!" A Classic Scene From 'Planes, Trains ...'

A spokesperson for Hughes confirmed the director's death. Variety reports that over the last decade, Hughes had stepped away from show business to spend time with his family, maintain a functioning farm in Illinois and support independent arts. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Nancy, two sons, John and James, and four grandchildren. Revisit His Accomplished Filmography at Moviefone >>>

"How Could I Possibly Be Expected To Handle School on a Day Like This?" Bueller in Action

Tags: john hughes, JohnHughes, movie director, MovieDirector, obituary

Comments

(165)

Thursday 06 August

By christine

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so sorry to hear about his passing he was a very good director, I loved his movies that he made. my favorite is Pretty in pink. i send my regards to his family at this time

By Lisa

So sad. He was a pop icon. I will always love his movies. RIP John

Sunday 09 August

By howard

Let me get this straight TTTTTTTTTetc. Theres a dating site where you can meet wealthy people but you don't have to be wealthy. Couldn't you end up meeting other people on here who also don't need to be wealthy? Just asking.

By will

i just got done watching uncle buck and decided to check my email, this was on the home page, first thing i saw. the man truly left his mark. you'll be missed bro.

By BARBARA

TIS IS SO SAD WHAT A GIFTED MAN.
MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY
REST IN PEACE AND GODBLESS HIS SOUL

Friday 07 August

By Mr. Leo

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One of the GREATS! Thanks for so many wonderful movies RIP.

By rick

Looking at the classics, that John Hughes directed, one can only lament how trashy our "comedy" films have become. Just check out the so called great films by Judd Apatow. Comedy now consists of genital jokes, coarse language and embarassing sexual situations. Were we so innocent in the 80's?

By Kay

I am so sad. His movies touched hearts. Great for teenagers, and just anyone, who needed to feel good. It is too bad that the teens of today (and I have one)have movies like Saw (violence, blood, gore) and Pineapple Express (f-words and sex) thrown at them. When John Candy went after Bug in Uncle Buck, there was the threat of violence, but none took place. Howeveer, the thought of what might happen to him, sent Bug running like a little girl. I guess those days are gone. We are lucky to have DVDs and can watch John Hughes movies any time we want.

By Michele

This man had wonderful talent, his movies made me laugh, cry, and quote lines over and over. He will be missed. We love you John! God bless him and his entire family.

By Joan

Im truly saddened by John Hughes sudden death at such a young age.His movies were like the soundtrack of my life.From "Sixteen Candles" to "Shes Having a Baby" he was always there.His movies pretty much covered every aspect of my life.He will truly be missed and may God bless him.My love and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Joan

By Kent

OK that's it! I am 65 and retired and everyone tells me to get out more. NOPE! Go screw yourselves, I am staying in my cozy apt and keeping the thermo at 75�! Especially since the weekend is predicted to be in the 100�s ... ( I was gunna go camping. ) Seriously, I am sad to hear this. Genius is taken from us too soon and far too often. Go with God, John Hughes.

By Dr. Bob

I met him in a bookstore at a Chicago shopping mall in 1987. Even
then nobody there recognized him. Despite his success and fame at the
time he politely took time to answer my questions about his current
project (she's having a baby)and how he had never been on a movie set
in his life before 16 Candles. A GREAT man and talented writer who was
never too busy to stop and talk to a fan. God Speed John...

By Preston

I am saddened that John Hughes died. He defined '80s teen comedy with movies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Breakfast Club. And funny movies like National Lampoon's Vacation. They are still well received and loved to this day. Molly Ringwald, Robert Downey Jr and others wouldn't be well known if it wasn't for his movies that they starred in. All the jokes about the '80s with the clothes and the looks feel dead now because Hughes helped define the '80s movie. Thanks for all the wonderful movies and memories John. You are remembered and appreciated......

Thursday 13 August

By Jessie

RIP John Hughes, grew up on his movies. He defined the funniness for a decade and shone a light on feeling weird in yr youth.
xxoo

By Brenda Bass Janice

I'm so sorry John passed at such an early age. It really makes you think. He was very talented and will be missed. Sing and conduct and produce with the angels. God bless you and your family.

By Fallout

Damn, that is sad. The guy was an institution. I loved every one of his films. "Sixteen Candles" was genius. And I'm not saying that just because we share the same name. Rest in Peace, and thank you for making this world a happier place.

Jon Hughes

By phyllis

we will misss you

By Kristine S.

Anyone who grew up in the 80's knows what John Hughes meant. I knew every line from The Breakfast Club before they said it, because it was real. This breaks my heart. God Bless Mr. Hughes for getting us through our teenage years.

By Sharon

We have truly lost a GENUIS. He wrote and directed films that had such wonderful and warm messages. They were clean, terrific films. He will live on in his amazing films. God bless his family.

By Kris

Weird Science was one of my favorites growing up. Even if I did grow up walking distance from the house they used for the exterior of Farris Beuller's house. The worlds creative light has dimmed yet again. You will be missed.

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