John Hughes, who passed away Thursday of a heart attack, brought Hollywood some of the most iconic and memorable movies of the 1980's.
The 59-year old will be remembered for creating characters with a warm funny, misanthropy.
He write and directed the definitive 1980s Brat Pack films, Universal's "The Breakfast Club," "Sixteen Candles," as well as Paramount's "Pretty in Pink," "Some Kind of Wonderful," as well "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." He fostered a generation of young stars who flourished in the "brat pack" heyday and a remarkable track record of hits.
It's notable that almost none of the Brat Pack actors ever found as much success later in their careers as they did in Hughes films, with the possible exception of John Cusack.
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A generation of filmmakers from Cameron Crowe to Judd Apatow was, and continues to be, influenced by his nuance and style. His movies generated billions of dollars in global revenues.
Hughes had a knack for long-running franchises. "Home Alone," (Fox) which he produced generated nearly a half billion dollars in US box office alone, from its three movies between 1990 and 1997, and that's not adjusted for inflation. He was a writer on the Universal's five "Beethoven" movies. He created vehicles for Chevy Chase, writing "Christmas Vacation" (1989, Warner Bros) and for John Candy, Dan Aykroyd and Steve Martin writing "The Great Outdoors," "Uncle Buck" (both Universal) and "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles," (Paramount).
In contrast to this era of over-paid movie stars and huge budgets with expensive special effects, Hughes talent for funny dialog and comedic timing will be sorely missed.
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