Introduction
Roger Corman is a legendary filmmaker, producer, and director who has made a significant contribution to the film industry. He is renowned for his prolific output, low-budget films, and launching the careers of several actors and actresses. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Roger Corman, including his net worth, top movies, TV shows, actresses, and more behind the camera.
Roger Corman Biography
Early Life and Education
Roger Corman was born on April 5, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a middle-class family and attended Beverly Hills High School. After completing high school, he enrolled at Stanford University, where he studied engineering. However, his passion for filmmaking led him to switch his major to English and drama.
After graduating from Stanford, Corman moved to Hollywood and began his career in the film industry. He started as a messenger at 20th Century Fox and worked his way up to become a story analyst. In 1954, he produced his first film, Monster from the Ocean Floor, which he also co-wrote and directed.
Net Worth
Career Highlights
Roger Corman has had a long and successful career in the film industry, spanning over six decades. He has produced and directed over 400 films and has won numerous awards and accolades for his work. Some of his most notable career highlights include:
- Launching the careers of several actors and actresses, including Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro, and Sandra Bullock.
- Producing and directing several cult classic films, such as The Little Shop of Horrors, Death Race 2000, and Piranha.
- Receiving an Honorary Academy Award in 2009 for his contribution to the film industry.
As of 2021, Roger Corman’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million, making him one of the wealthiest filmmakers in the industry.
Top Movies
Fantastic Four
In 1994, Roger Corman produced a low-budget film adaptation of the popular Marvel comic book series, Fantastic Four. The film was never released to the public and was only made as a way for the production company to retain the film rights to the franchise. Despite its low-budget and amateurish production, the film has gained a cult following over the years and is considered a must-watch for fans of the comic book series.
Death Race 2000
Death Race 2000 is a 1975 action-comedy film produced by Roger Corman. The film is set in a dystopian future where a cross-country race is held where drivers score points by running over pedestrians. The film stars David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone and has become a cult classic over the years.
TV Shows
The Intruder
The Intruder is a 1962 television series produced by Roger Corman. The show is a suspense thriller that follows the story of a man who infiltrates a small town with the intention of starting a race riot. The show was controversial at the time of its release due to its themes of racism and violence.
Blood Bath
Blood Bath is a 1966 television series produced by Roger Corman. The show is a horror anthology series that features several short films directed by different filmmakers. The series was notable for its use of surreal imagery and its unique storytelling style.
Actresses
Pam Grier
Pam Grier is an American actress who rose to fame in the 1970s for her roles in several blaxploitation films. She first worked with Roger Corman in the 1971 film The Big Doll House and went on to star in several other Corman-produced films, including Coffy and Foxy Brown.
Barbara Steele
Barbara Steele is an English actress who is best known for her roles in horror films. She first worked with Roger Corman in the 1960 film The Pit and the Pendulum and went on to star in several other Corman-produced horror films, including Black Sunday and The Terror.
Conclusion
Roger Corman is a legendary filmmaker who has left an indelible mark on the film industry. His low-budget films and prolific output have inspired countless filmmakers and launched the careers of several actors and actresses. Despite his success, Corman remains humble and dedicated to his craft, continuing to produce and direct films well into his 90s.
