Washington: Oscar-nominated producer Adam Somner, who worked as an assistant director and producer with renowned filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson, Alejandro Iñárritu and Ridley Scott, has died at the age of 57. Yes, Variety reported.
He died of thyroid cancer in Studio City.
Somner’s most recent project was as producer and assistant director on Anderson’s upcoming Warner Bros. film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
He was also part of the production team of Anderson’s Liquorice Pizza, which earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination.
Born in the United Kingdom, Somner began his career assisting on films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Before the change in assistant directorship.
He served as third assistant director on Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and collaborated with Spielberg on several films, including West Side Story, Ready Player One, Lincoln, Munich, and War of the Worlds.
Spielberg paid tribute to Somner, saying, “The job title ‘Assistant Director’ is inadequate to convey what Adam Somner was to me and what he contributed to my films – just as my left hand is my right assistant. He worked as an AD and producer, and he did both of these tasks with equal dedication. He loved being on set, he was a cheerleader and ball carrier, and sometimes I could do the same. don’t think this Telling whether he was following my lead or I was following his.”
Spielberg added, “He made everyone who joined the crew feel like they were part of the family. He was a cohesive guy, and when things weren’t going according to plan, his English working-class wit and humor helped could solve.” His slow-witted banter, laughter and backup plan made it seem like he was an icon in his field and an inspiration to anyone pursuing a career in filmmaking – his blend of creativity and organization will never be the same. ”
Somner also collaborated with Ridley Scott on films such as Black Hawk Down, Kingdom of Heaven, and Gladiator. He is survived by his wife, Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro; his children, Olivia and Bosco; and his brother, Mark Somner, Variety reported.
