Famed film editor David Brenner, who won an Academy Award for his work editing the 1989 film “Born on the Fourth of July,” died Thursday at the age of 59.
Brenner’s wife, Amber, told The Hollywood Reporter he passed away suddenly Thursday morning at his West Hollywood home.
“He was an extraordinary editor and a loving, compassionate family man,” the American Cinema Editors said in a statement, according to Variety. “In an effort to support David’s family during this terrible time, Lightstorm Entertainment has created this GoFundMe account. More important than any financial assistance this may provide, it’s an opportunity to let his wife Amber and his children Annie, Haider, and Sasha know how many other lives David touched.”
Brenner burst onto the scene in 1990, winning the Oscar for film editing — an award that he shared with editor John Hutshing — for his work on the movie “Born on the Fourth of July,” which was directed by Oliver Stone.
“Stone recruited Brenner to edit nine of his films, including ‘Platoon,’ ‘Salvador,’ ‘Wall Street,’ ‘Talk Radio,’ ‘The Doors,’ ‘Heaven & Earth,’ ‘World Trade Center’ and ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,'” Variety reported.
“He also worked with director Zack Snyder on ‘Justice League,’ ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,’ ‘Man of Steel’ and the extra-long ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League.'”
Snyder mourned Brenner’s passing in a statement to Variety.
The director said he was “devastated at the loss of my dear friend and collaborator David Brenner. He was a gifted artist and one of the kindest people I have ever known.
“He will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences go to Amber and his children during this difficult time,” Snyder added.
At the time of his passing, Brenner had been working on the “Avatar” sequels.
On social media, many users, including Brenner’s former colleagues, commemorated his legacy.
RIP David Brenner. It was an honor to work with you and a joy to know you.
— Greg Silverman (@gregsilverman) February 19, 2022
Our deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to Amber, Anna, Haider and Sasha on the sad and tragic passing of OSCAR®-winning film editor David Brenner, a beloved husband and father, as well as dear and very gifted friend. pic.twitter.com/EpozecF8K3
— Roland Emmerich (@rolandemmerich) February 18, 2022
Editor David Brenner had a special gift for montage. Quite a few cuts from Born on the Fourth of July, Fear, Man of Steel, Identity and Independence Day still haunt my memory. His precise sense of timing to build character & emotion for drama was unparalleled. #RIPDavidBrenner
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) February 18, 2022
We have lost a very dear member of the #AvatarFamily, David Brenner, an editor extraordinaire on the Avatar sequels. Our hearts go out to his wife Amber and their children Annie, Haider and Sasha. His talent, compassion and friendship will be truly missed. pic.twitter.com/sXlV3mSX2l
— James Cameron (@JimCameron) February 18, 2022
“Our hearts go out to his wife Amber and their children Annie, Haider and Sasha. His talent, compassion and friendship will be truly missed,” tweeted “Avatar” director James Cameron.