Bob Rafelson was a filmmaker known for movies including “Five Easy Pieces” and “The King of Marvin Gardens,” as well as for co-creating the Monkees.
- Died: July 23, 2022 (Who else died on July 23?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Aspen, Colorado of lung cancer at the age of 89.
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Hollywood career
After serving in the U.S. Army in Japan in the 1950s, Rafelson got his start in Hollywood working as a screenwriter and assistant producer. Alongside his friend Bert Schneider (1933–2011), Rafelson established Raybert Productions, later named BBS Productions. Their first project together was co-creating “The Monkees,” based in part on Rafelson’s experience playing in a band in Mexico as a young man. Rafelson directed several episodes of the show, his first experience behind the camera. He transitioned to filmmaking with the Monkees’ 1968 feature film “Head,” going on to a celebrated directing career. Rafelson often worked with Jack Nicholson, including writing “Head” together and directing him in the films “Five Easy Pieces,” “The King of Marvin Gardens,” “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Blood and Wine.” In addition to directing, Rafelson also produced notable movies including “Easy Rider” and “The Last Picture Show.”
Notable quote
“If I see a movie, I know who’s talented and who’s lucky.” —from a 2019 interview for Esquire
Tributes to Bob Rafelson
Full obituary: The New York Times
