Hollywood Legend Robert Lieberman Passes Away
Robert Lieberman, who was best known for helming films like Fire in the Sky and D3: The Might Ducks as well as a few episodes of Criminal Minds, Dexter, and The X-Files, has sadly passed away at the age of 75.
The director established Harmony Productions as a commercial production company and over the years was successful in directing about 2000 commercials. Besides his third wife Victoria, Lieberman is survived by his children Nick, Joseph, Erin, and Lorne, as well as by his stepdaughter Kristen Konvitz, son-in-law Trent Othick, and sister Fern.
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Robert Lieberman passes away after a long battle with cancer
Acclaimed director Robert Lieberman, known for directing one of the sci-fi cult classic movies, Fire in the Sky, unfortunately, passed away after a long battle with cancer in Los Angeles on 1st July 2023. He was 75 years old at the time of his death. His manager, John Bauman, confirmed his death.
The director’s passion and interest in movies shifted when he was at the University of Buffalo, where he founded the school’s film program and became the first UB student to graduate with a degree in film. Initially, he worked as a video assistant with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, but with his dedication and hard work, he made it up the ladder.
Lieberman did not hesitate to express his gratitude towards the various opportunities that were given to him to work in the movies or direct commercials that were well received by the audience over his career of 50 years. It has been said that the critically acclaimed director cherished the freedom and creativity that came along with his profession and often described it as waking up with blank canvases and painting with someone else’s money.
Even though the director has passed away, his contributions to the world of films, television, and commercials can never be forgotten and he will always be celebrated as one of the greatest directors. His skill and zeal to put his heart and soul into his projects will live on for future directors to witness and learn.
Robert Lieberman indeed had a significant impact on aspiring filmmakers who look forward to pursuing their dreams most fearlessly and relentlessly. The director’s son, Nick Lieberman, whom he shared with his first wife, actress Marilu Henner, shared that his father once said,
“My advice to people who are trying to get into the business is you’ve got to be absolutely fearless and relentless. If you want it, you’ve got to want it with everything in your being. … I wanted to be in this business, and now looking back over my whole career, I love that I spent my life in this business. I got to go to work and have fun: Do what I wanted to do, create what I wanted to create, wake up in the morning with blank canvases and go out and paint — and with somebody else’s money. It’s craziness, and I got to do it for over 50 years.”
He shared the same advice back in September when he returned to Buffalo to screen his movie Fire in the Sky at a local theatre, where he also mentioned that his career has not been as stellar as many of his movies were good, but none of them broke out into that mega, blockbuster nomenclature.
Just like father, Nick is also a filmmaker whose Theatre Camp was recently released, which narrates the story of a ragtag group of theater camp staffers who must rally to save their beloved upstate NY institution AdirondACTS, when its owner suddenly falls ill.
Robert Lieberman worked with a diverse range of talent
The director, who founded Harmony Pictures with his business partner Stuart Gross, was good at his job, which is why he managed to work with some of the incredibly talented people in the industry, including President Bill Clinton, and other big names like Ray Charles, Jerry Lewis, Michael Jordan, Anne Hathaway, and Kenan Thompson.
He directed the first season episode of Thirtysomething, which, according to sources, went on to set a template for the show, and he went on to direct some 19 pilots, out of which 16 successfully made it to the series, which includes Gabriel’s Fire, Strong Medicine, and USA’s The Dead Zone.
One of the most cherished contributions by the director remains is the final installment of The Mighty Ducks trilogy, which even today, people find very interesting to watch. He also worked on Table for Five, All I Want for Christmas, etc., over his career span of 50 years. Robert Lieberman shared that he was very satisfied with the work he has done and he feels rewarded.
We send our deepest condolences to the family.
Source: Deadline
