Gary Winick, 'Bride Wars' Director, Dies At 49

Filmmaker, also behind 'Letters to Juliet' and 'Tadpole,' lost his battle with brain cancer.
By Eric Ditzian

Gary Winick
Photo: Getty Images

Gary Winick, the 49-year-old director behind "Bride Wars" and "Letters to Juliet," has died, following a battle with brain cancer, according to multiple reports.

In addition to his mainstream credits, Winick boasted a résumé filled with independent fare as well. He produced and directed 2002's "Tadpole," a breakout coming-of-age hit at Sundance, and produced 2003's "Pieces of April," for which Patricia Clarkson received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination. Other production credits include Richard Linklater's "Tape" and Steve Buscemi's "Lonesome Jim." Winick also directed "13 Going on 30" in 2004 and a live-action adaptation of "Charlotte's Web," which grossed more than $140 million worldwide in 2006. In total, according to TheWrap, he produced 19 films.

The filmmaker's death was first made public via Twitter, in an update from producer Matt Dentler, who wrote, "Gary Winick died today. Too late to make the Oscars tribute, but way too early. He leaves behind a legacy of supporting indie film and NYC."

"He was suffering from brain cancer for quite some time, and it ultimately metastasized throughout his body," his manager, Rosalie Swedlin, told The Hollywood Reporter. "What's remarkable is that after his first surgery, he was able to direct 'Letters to Juliet.' It was a battle that we thought he had won, and ultimately they just didn't get it all."

A memorial service is in the works and people will be asked to make charitable donations. "Gary was an incredibly important figure in the indie movement," Swedlin said. "He will be missed."

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