Robert Watts has died (Image: BBC)
Robert Watts, the famous film producer who collaborated with George Lucas to create movies including Star Wars and Indiana Jones, has died aged 86.
Movie stardom was in his genes as grandfather Walter Meade had been a popular screenwriter – and despite national service commitments in West Africa derailing his plans, his stratospheric rise to success would soon begin.
He was especially famed for his work on Star Wars. However, his tragic death was announced by his rep, Julian Owen of Alliance Agents, to The Reporter.
After sharing the sad news, he revealed: “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.”
Robert’s journey in the movie business first began as a runner on the comedy film A French Mistress, which he began work on after his national service. Later, he was promoted to the role of production manager at Shepperton Studios.
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Robert Watts in his younger years (Image: GETTY)
However, it was Star Wars that would become the biggest highlight of his career – and ironically it almost hadn’t happened at all.
He later revealed that George Lucas had paid for him personally out of his own pocket, due to Fox’s delay in greenlighting the film.
Robert explained in one interview: “They were under great financial problems themselves and did not believe in the movie.”
He was also famed for his work on three of Stephen Spielberg’s Indiana Jones movies and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
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His films went from scarcely receiving a sponsor to grossing billions of dollars due to their huge success.
Meanwhile, not many know that he was once an assistant director on the 1965 James Bond movie Thunderball, starring .
His rep Julian bid him a sad farewell this evening, after reminiscing on the career adventures they’d shared together.
He told Deadline: “Goodnight to my wonderful friend and client Robert Watts, Producer of some of the most famous films in cinema history.
“Talking about his career was his favourite thing to do. We had some amazing adventures together which I will cherish forever.”