R2-D2 creator,'Star Wars'visual effects Oscar winner, passes away

The man who helped bring to life the lovable R2-D2 and countless other on-screen characters died earlier this week.

Grant McCune, a special effects artist who won an Oscar for his work on the original"Star Wars"movie, passed away Monday at his home in Hidden Hills,Calif.

McCune, who succumbed to a battle with pancreatic cancer, was 67.

His career in Hollywood - which began with the 1975 hit"Jaws"- skyrocketed after his work under directorGeorge Lucas' 1977 classic. As a member of the visual effects team, McCune– who also appeared in the film as a Death Star gunner – was the chief model maker. He would receive a secondOscar nominationfor his work on 1980’s"Star Trek: The Motion Picture."

McCune’s work was also present in notable films such as"Superman,""Caddyshack,""Die Hard,""Batman Forever,""Spider-Man,""Spaceballs,""Ghostbusters II"and"Speed."

He is survived by his wife, Katherine, and two children.

With News Wire Services

 

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