Richard Donner remembered by Hollywood as Steven Spielberg calls him 'the greatest Goonie of all' after death at 91
Christopher Harper
Published Sep 07, 2026
MOVIE mogul Richard Donner has been hailed as the "greatest Goonie of all" following his death at the age of 91.
The legendary director has been commended for his caring nature, talent and infectious laugh as Hollywood pals paid heartfelt tributes to him.
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Donner died on Monday, his wife Lauren Shuler Donner announced - but his cause of death has not yet been revealed.
He was best known for his credits in movies such as Christopher-Reeve's Superman, The Goonies and Lethal Weapon.
Fellow director Steven Spielberg has led tributes to the Hollywood favorite, describing Donner as the "most endearing friend".
"Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres," he said.
"Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favorite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally, and — of course — the greatest Goonie of all.
"He was all kid. All heart. All the time. I can’t believe he’s gone, but his husky, hearty, laugh will stay with me always.”
Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres.
Steven Spielberg
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Goonies co-star Sean Astin also fondly remembered Donner for his kindness.
"Richard Donner had the biggest, boomiest voice you could imagine," he wrote on Twitter.
"He commanded attention and he laughed like no man has ever laughed before. Dick was so much fun.
"What I perceived in him, as a 12-year-old kid, is that he cared. I love that he cared."
Donner, full name Richard Donald Schwatzberg, was born in the Bronx and attended Parker Junior College before going to NYU to study business and theater.
He started his career as an actor, before he started television directing on hit shows such as Wanted: Dead or Alive, The Twilight Zone and The Fugitive.
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The director was hailed back in 2017 for his work on the big screen, with friends and colleagues praising him for his kindness.
Actor Corey Feldman said Donner paid for his rehab years after they worked together on The Goonies. Another Goonies star revealed Donner covered his college tuition.
Meanwhile Mel Gibson, who shot to international stardom thanks to the 1989 movie Lethal Weapon, described the late producer as a "friend and mentor".
"He was magnanimous of heart and soul, which he liberally gave to all who knew him," he told Deadline.
"I will sorely miss him, with all his mischievous wit and wisdom.”
Sylvester Stallone also applauded Donner, who he worked with on 1995 blockbuster Assassins.
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"I enjoyed working with Dick Donner on Assassins," he said.
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"He was a man’s man, extremely talented! Great sense of humor, his big laughter was like rolling thunder.”
Donner is survived by his wife, who he married back in 1986.
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