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Director Robert Altman, 81, Dead

Posted Nov 21st 2006 11:56AM by TMZ Staff

Robert AltmanRobert Altman, the man behind the lens on "M*A*S*H," "Nashville" and "The Player," died Monday night at a Los Angeles Hospital, his Sandcastle 5 Productions Company said Tuesday. He was 81.

The cause of death was not disclosed, but a news release is expected later today, Associated Press reports.

Altman was nominated for an Academy Award five times for directing, most recently in 2001 for "Gosford Park." He was given a Lifetime Achievement Oscar in 2006, where Altman revealed in his acceptance speech that he had a received a heart transplant a decade earlier.

Altman's most recent film was "A Prairie Home Companion," starring Meryl Streep.

Tags: director, gosford park, GosfordPark, mash, robert altman, RobertAltman

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1. Wow! This is sad. He was one of the best directors who ever lived. He was someone who wasn't afraid to take a chance on risky, off the wall material -- when the rest of Hollywood was sticking to formulaic remakes and sequels.

He was a maverick filmmaker and will definitely be missed.

Posted at 12:01PM on Nov 21st 2006 by Chad

2. R.I.P. Mr. Altman a sad day he was one of the best.

Posted at 12:16PM on Nov 21st 2006 by a fan

3. "A Prairie Home Companion" stunk

Posted at 12:20PM on Nov 21st 2006 by Bill

4. Bill, you are a moron, he was one of the best director of all times. idiot!!!

Posted at 12:45PM on Nov 21st 2006 by nades

5. Whatever, Malcom. I'm sure people will think the same about a nasty person like you ! Rest in peace, Mr. Altman... :-)

Posted at 2:09PM on Nov 21st 2006 by Tabitha

6. "Who gives a shit? !? Sir, his life was worth twenty of yours. What have you ever done in your life? Have you ever directed brillant Oscar worthy films? Show some respect. When you "croak" no one will give a shit.

Posted at 1:41PM on Nov 21st 2006 by ashylarry

7. #5 Malcom, KISS MY ASS LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rest in peace, you will be dearly missed!!!!!

Posted at 1:48PM on Nov 21st 2006 by Colt

8. A sad passing. Our greatest filmmaker. Oh, and Malcolm, he was Catholic you ignoramus.

Posted at 2:45PM on Nov 21st 2006 by Jeff

9. Wow! way to go TMZ, on your Fuc*king job today! Talking down offensive post almost as soon as they were put up!
ABOUT TIME YOU LAZY BASTARDS!!!
Robert Altman films were cutting edge, and he tried to lead American Movies into more character driven plots, instead of "shoot 'em ups"
Cut...wrap...and print! Next set up please!

Posted at 3:00PM on Nov 21st 2006 by Trapper John

10. I almost cried when I read this. I will miss Altman and genuinely regret the fact that I never had a chance to shake the man's hand.

Posted at 3:07PM on Nov 21st 2006 by Mo!

11. Altman was one of the greatest directors of all time, a true visionary who steadfastly refused to compromise his art to please vapid Hollywood suits, and the many cinematic masterpieces he created in his lifetime are far too numerous to list here ... too bad the majority of TV news channels apparently dont find his death worthy of even a passing mention, preferring instead to talk endlessly about Michael Richards' idiotic comedy club racial rant. These are the same channels who greeted Kubrick's death in 1999 with a barely stifled yawn. My gratitude to TMZ for realizing Altman's importance.

There will never be another Robert Altman. Rest in peace, my friend, and many thanks for your wonderful movies. True film fans will always remember you fondly, even if CNN and its ilk apparently wont.

Posted at 3:45PM on Nov 21st 2006 by Subterranean Cinema

12. I was lucky enough to work with him on my very first job in the industry. His set was the most fun I've ever been on. The dailies were open to the entire crew, with food and booze. There were no tantrums, nonsense or ego.
He was a brilliant, innovative filmaker. Anyone who hasn't seen his earilier, edgier work like "The Long Goodbye" or "Brewster McCloud" is really missing out. He was a true maverick. RIP

Posted at 5:50PM on Nov 21st 2006 by Donna T

13. Subterranean Cinema: You said exactly what i felt.
i almost cried. I couldnt believe no one on tv is talking about him.

yes..there can never be another altman and we will always remember him.

Posted at 6:39PM on Nov 21st 2006 by taxydriver

14. A true talent, is so hard to come by these days and we have lost one of the best.

Posted at 8:13PM on Nov 21st 2006 by meltz

15. A genius. America has lost a true artist.

Posted at 9:44PM on Nov 21st 2006 by Americhick

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