 |
| Arthur Hiller (C) holds his Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award while standing with Ryan O’Neal (L) and Ali McGraw (R) during the 74th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, U.S. March 24, 2002. REUTERS photo. |
Versatile and prolific Canadian film director Arthur Hiller, whose sentimental “Love Story” starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal was the biggest hit of 1970 and stands as one of the most popular romantic movies ever made, died on Wednesday at the age of 92, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences said.
Hiller, whose work also included successful collaborations with playwrights Neil Simon and Paddy Chayefsky, died of natural causes in Los Angeles, the Academy said in a statement.
The director was the president of the Academy, which hosts Hollywood’s annual Oscars ceremony, from 1993 to 1997, and served as a longtime member on the organization’s Directors Branch.
Current Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said the organization was “deeply saddened” by Hiller’s death.
