The beauty of art is in many places but diversity is certainly a big part of it. Roger Corman helped add to the eclectic offerings Hollywood has to offer with his unique pendent of taking “B-list” movies and elevating them for the Silver Screen. Watching a film directed by Roger Corman meant enjoying a unique feature shot only in a way he could. It also meant viewing the work of an American Veteran who answered the call during World War II in the U.S. Navy.
Is Roger Corman Still Alive?
Sadly, Roger Corman passed away on May 9, 2024, at the age of 98. This was after a long career influencing the movie industry.
At the time of this writing, the cause of death for Corman has not yet been released; however, his work and influence continue to live on through the art he helped bring to life.
Roger Corman’s movies were inspiration for some of the most prolific filmmakers in the industry, many of whom were mentored by Corman himself. This includes: Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and Ron Howard.
Known for a variety of films, including Roger Corman’s The Fantastic Four (unreleased), The Silence of the Lambs, and The Little Shop of Horrors, his work came to be in part because of his time serving our nation.
The King of B Movies Served in the Navy (And Hated It)
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Corman ended up attending Stanford University, getting his degree in industrial engineering.
However, WWII broke out, so he didn’t finish until after a stint of service. Corman enrolled in courses at the V-12 Navy College Training Program. He would serve as a Sailor for two years after enlisting in 1944.
To say that Corman enjoyed military life wouldn’t simply be an exaggeration but more of a full-on lie.
Following the end of WWII and Corman finishing his degree, he would begin his career before shortly realizing he hated that too. How shortly? It only took him four days to quit his first job.
But self-awareness and his military service would end up providing exactly what he needed after all.
Roger Corman got a job working at a mailroom before working his way up. The location? A little outfit known as 20th Century Fox.
Eventually, Corman was reading stories and even pitching ideas for projects that made the final cut. Sadly, he wasn’t receiving credit for his work, so he did so on his own.
Thanks to his military service, he also earned GI Bill benefits. This gave a pathway to studying English literature at Oxford University.
This would prove beneficial for his film career, particularly, as many of Corman’s works are based on and influenced by Edgar Allan Poe, another American who served, hated it, and went on to create legendary pieces of art.
Roger Corman movies are a mainstay today. They have been changing the way films are made since he began producing and screenwriting in 1953 and directing in 1955.
How Many Movies Has Roger Corman Made?
Corman has been a part of many different projects featuring producer credits on over 300 titles, acting credits on 122 if not more, and directing credits on 50.
Corman earned the title of being the “King of B Movies” because of his ability to elevate low-budget productions to new heights, particularly, in the thriller and horror genres.
But Corman didn’t just stick to one genre. His credits also include Westerns and War films all the same.
Regardless of the genre, it was Roger Corman’s ability to shoot cheap movies quickly, without sacrificing quality, that cemented him as a legendary filmmaker, paving the way for others.
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