Snakes on a Plane director David R Ellis dies aged 60
The former stunt man was found dead in a hotel room in Johannesburg
Snakes on a Plane director David R Ellis has died in South Africa at the age of 60.
The death of the American director, who enjoyed a successful career as an actor and stuntman before going behind the camera, was confirmed yesterday by his manager.
His body was found in a hotel room in Johannesburg where he had been filming Kite. A cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Ellis’ 2006 action thriller Snakes on a Plane generated a cult following. His other directorial titles include Final Destination 2, Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco, Shark Night 3D and 2009 film The Final Destination.
He began his career as a child actor in Hollywood later making the switch to stunts following a career as a junior pro surfer. The Californian-born film-maker’s first role as stunt co-ordinator was on 1978 horror Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
Tributes have been paid to Ellis on Twitter. Samuel L Jackson wrote: “So sad to hear of David R Ellis passing! So talented, so kind, such a Good Friend. He'll be missed. Gone too soon!”
Snakes on a Plane actress Sunny Mabrey described him as “a truly awesome dude”; while Canadian actress AJ Cook said he was “such as positive, passionate man”.
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