In Tribute

Beloved British producer Gareth Wigan, who helped spearhead many films died on Saturday at 78 reports Variety.

Wigan was credited with steering the success of the first Star Wars in 1977, after serving as a production executive on the sci-fi movie.

He subsequently worked on other films including All That Jazz and Alien in 1979, before he was appointed co-vice chairman at Columbia Tristar in the 1990s.

Upon his death in Los Angeles after a brief illness Star Wars creator George Lucas said he will "always be grateful" for Wigan's support.

Adding:"[He] was one of the most kind and thoughtful executives I’ve ever worked with. He was a real supporter of creative talent. I’ll never forget the first time he saw Star Wars. It was just Gareth and Alan Ladd Jr. seeing an early cut of the film. Gareth was so moved that he cried. As a young filmmaker facing a lot of skeptics, his genuine love of the film meant the world to me. He was there for me when I needed him...”

Director Martin Scorsese, who worked with on 1993 movie The Age Of Innocence, said:

“I’ve often wished we could have worked on another production as I’ve always had great admiration for Gareth’s intelligence, diplomacy and taste.”

The Hollywood Reporter has more reaction from around the industry.