Who Is Roger Corman? Age, Biography and Wiki
Roger Corman was born on April 5, 1926, and passed away in 2024, making him 98 years old at the time of his death. Renowned for his innovative approach to filmmaking, Corman was a key figure in the emergence of independent cinema and became known for his prolific production of low-budget films. Corman's contributions to the film industry have earned him several accolades, including an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1926 |
| Age | 98 Years |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 9 May, 2024 |
| Died Place | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Roger Corman's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As an accomplished filmmaker, Roger Corman was not known for a conventional presence in front of the camera, but rather for his behind-the-scenes influence. Standing at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm) and weighing around 150 pounds (68 kg), Corman maintained a standard physique for someone of his age. His stature did not overshadow his impactful legacy and contributions to film.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Roger Corman was married to actress Julie Corman from 1970 until his passing in 2024. The couple shared a bond that was nurtured through their mutual love for cinema, often collaborating on various projects. Together, they had two children who continue to uphold the Corman legacy in the film industry. Roger was known to be a family-oriented individual, devoting time to his loved ones while thriving in his filmmaking endeavors.
In May 1970, Corman founded New World Pictures, which became a small independently owned production/distribution studio, immediately successful with Angels Die Hard (1970), a biker film, and The Student Nurses (1971), directed by Rothman. The Big Doll House (1971), directed by Jack Hill in the Philippines, was a big hit, making a star of Pam Grier.
The company made a profit of $3.2 million in its first financial year, and Corman said all eleven out of his first eleven films were successful. Angels Die Hard led to a series of biker films, including Angels Hard as They Come (1971), produced by Jonathan Demme with Jack Fisk working as art director.
Bury Me an Angel (1971) was the first biker movie directed by a woman, Barbara Peeters. Corman financed the directorial debuts of Curtis Hanson, Sweet Kill (1973), produced by Corman protégée Tamara Asseyev.
Student Nurses led to a "cycle" of nurse pictures, including Private Duty Nurses (the first film directed by George Armitage), Night Call Nurses (1972) (the first feature directed by Jonathan Kaplan), The Young Nurses and Candy Stripe Nurses (1975). There was also The Student Teachers (1973) and Summer School Teachers (1974).
Big Doll House was followed by a series of women in prison pictures, such as Women in Cages (1972), The Hot Box (1972), Black Mama, White Mama (1973), The Arena (1974) (the first film directed by Steve Carver) and Caged Heat (1974) (the first film directed by Demme). Of New World's second year, Corman said 11 of the 12 releases were successful.
Corman produced one more film at AIP, Boxcar Bertha (1972), the second feature directed by Martin Scorsese, starring David Carradine. He also executive produced Unholy Rollers (1972) for AIP. A proposed political satire, The Wild Political Prank, was not made.
He made I Escaped from Devil's Island (1973) with his brother and produced Cockfighter (1974) with Monte Hellman, which was a rare financial failure for New World. A big hit was Big Bad Mama (1974), a gangster film directed by Carver and starring Angie Dickinson. It led to a follow-up, Crazy Mama (1975), produced by his wife and directed by Demme.
In 1975, Corman said New World was "the most successful independent film company in the country...if you count AIP as a major". He said they were "the best of the cheap acts".
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2024, Roger Corman's net worth was estimated to be around $40 million. His extensive filmography, comprising over 400 films, along with various business ventures in the entertainment industry, contributed significantly to his wealth. Corman's ability to turn modest budgets into profitable films showcased his prowess not only as a director but also as a savvy businessman.
Corman wrote a script in his spare time and sold it to William F. Broidy at Allied Artists for US$2,000. "Dick thought it was funny and let me pay myself a commission," said Corman. Originally called House in the Sea, it was retitled Highway Dragnet (1954) and starred Richard Conte and Joan Bennett. Corman also worked as associate producer on the film for nothing, just for the experience.
Career, Business and Investments
Corman's career began in the late 1940s, and he quickly made a name for himself with films such as Little Shop of Horrors and The Pit and the Pendulum. His unique style combined horror, science fiction, and sometimes campy elements, appealing to a generation of cinephiles. Corman founded New World Pictures, which played a pivotal role in distributing independent films. Through his career, he nurtured the talent of numerous filmmakers, including Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and James Cameron, many of whom attribute their success to Corman's mentorship.
In addition to his directorial ventures, Corman invested in various aspects of the film industry, including distribution and production companies, further solidifying his legacy as a pioneer of independent cinema.
In 1964, Corman became the youngest filmmaker to have a retrospective at the Cinémathèque française, as well as in the British Film Institute and the Museum of Modern Art. He was the co-founder of New World Pictures, the founder of New Concorde and was a longtime member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In 2009, he was awarded an Academy Honorary Award "for his rich engendering of films and filmmakers".
Social Network
Throughout his career, Roger Corman maintained a minimalistic approach to social media, focusing more on his films than personal branding. However, tributes from fans and industry professionals alike have flooded platforms like Twitter and Facebook following his passing, celebrating his life and contributions to cinema. Fans can still find discussions, tributes, and expansive coverage of his work through dedicated film communities online.
Corman worked his way up to a story reader. The one property that he liked the most and provided ideas for was filmed as The Gunfighter with Gregory Peck. When Corman received no credit at all, he left Fox and decided he would work in film by himself. Under the G.I. Bill, Corman studied English literature at the University of Oxford and lived in Paris for a time.
Education
Roger Corman attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he studied engineering and later switched to English and Drama. His education provided the foundational knowledge that helped him in scriptwriting and film production. Corman's time at USC not only honed his storytelling skills but also introduced him to the burgeoning film community in Hollywood.
Corman went to Beverly Hills High School and then to Stanford University to study industrial engineering. While at Stanford, Corman realized he did not want to be an engineer. He enlisted in the V-12 Navy College Training Program when he still had six months of study to complete.
After serving in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, he returned to Stanford to finish his degree, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering in 1947. While at Stanford University, Corman was initiated in the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
