UNEXPECTED

Horror Movie Legend Dies Suddenly at 54

Jamie Blanks took the lead on the iconic film at the age of 26.

Jamie Blanks, the Australian film director behind the iconic movie Urban Legend has died at 54. In a post to X, his family announced his passing, calling it “unexpected, despite some ill health in recent years.” A cause of death has not been made public. Blanks was preparing to direct another film and was still active in the film community, his family said. A native of Melbourne, he got picked to direct his career-defining movie Urban Legend at just 26 years old. The film was a major hit, earning more than $70 million at the box office. It is also well known for its cast of 1990s stars, including Joshua Jackson, Tara Reid, and Rebecca Gayheart. Jared Leto was also part of the cast, though he was relatively unknown at the time, according to the Daily Mail. Blanks then directed the 2001 horror film Valentine, whose cast included Denise Richards and Katherine Heigl. He later said of Valentine, “I have so many great memories of working with some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Grateful that the movie has found its fan base over the years.” Beyond directing, Blanks composed music to accompany horror films. Off-screen, he was known for his generosity and enthusiasm for his work and for those he loved. “This big beautiful heart of his eventually gave way,” his family wrote on social media. He leaves behind his wife, Simone, and his son, Oliver.