Jamie Blanks, director of late-’90s and early-2000s slasher films Urban Legend and Valentine, has died. He was 54.
Blanks’ family confirmed his death in a statement posted to social media on Friday, revealing that he died suddenly on March 20 at his home in Melbourne, Australia.
“His death was unexpected, despite some ill health in recent years, and comes at a time when Jamie was preparing to direct another film. He was still very active supporting other filmmakers and developing his own projects,” the statement reads in part. “Anyone who was lucky to know Jamie was immediately struck by his talent, kindness, humanity, generosity of spirit and boundless enthusiasm for what he did in life, but also — so importantly — for the people around him. This big, beautiful heart of his eventually gave way.”
The statement continued, “We’re imagining him now in a better place, chatting up a storm about horror movies and music with many others he loved and admired who have passed before him. Honour him by watching on of his films or John Carpenter’s The Fog (a favourite film that inspired him to become a filmmaker) or listening to one of his music scores.”
Born in Melbourne on Nov. 29, 1971, Blanks began his filmmaking career at Swinburne Film School. After making short films in college, he made his feature directorial debut with TriStar Pictures’ Urban Legend (1998). The film, starring Jared Leto, Rebecca Gayheart, Alicia Witt, Robert Englund, Tara Reid, Joshua Jackson and Michael Rosenbaum, grossed $72 million worldwide and became a cult classic among horror fans.
In August, The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reported that a reboot of Urban Legend is in the works from Screen Gems.
Another genre entry, Warner Bros.’ Valentine (2001), starred Denise Richards, David Boreanaz, Katherine Heigl, Marley Shelton, Jessica Capshaw and Jessica Cauffiel. The film follows a group of friends stalked by a killer wearing a Cupid mask in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day.
In February, Blanks took to X to celebrate the movie’s 25th anniversary. “Roses are red violets are blue. My film only lives on thanks to each one of you. My love letter to ‘80s slasher films Valentine is 25 years old. It means so much to me that fans still watch & enjoy the movie. Thank you,” he wrote.
Also a composer, Blanks’ credits include Crawlspace, What Are You Afraid Of?, Girl at the Window, Needle, Crush, Nature’s Grave and more.
He is survived by his wife, Simone; his son, Oliver; his parents, and brothers.
