Chuck Russell, the American director best known for the 1994 comedy The Mask, died unexpectedly at his home near San Diego, California, on 22 July at the age of 74. His wife, Ania Zeyne, found him unresponsive and called emergency services; paramedics were unable to revive him. The cause of death has not been made public, and his family is travelling to California to ascertain the circumstances, according to TMZ.

Zeyne, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, described her husband as “a wonderful guy” who “meant everything to me.” Jim Carrey, the star of The Mask, told People magazine that working with Russell was “a privilege,” recalling how the director “created an ebullient, childlike atmosphere of wonder and camaraderie on his set.” Carrey added: “I consider The Mask one of the jewels of my creative life. Thank you, Chuck.”

Russell’s death robs Hollywood of a versatile genre craftsman whose 1987 directorial debut, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, revitalised the horror franchise. He went on to direct the cult remake The Blob (1988), the Arnold Schwarzenegger action vehicle Eraser (1996), and The Scorpion King (2002), which gave Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson his first leading role. But it was The Mask that cemented his commercial legacy: the film grossed more than $350m worldwide, earned an Oscar nomination for visual effects, and launched Cameron Diaz’s screen career.

Russell’s final film, a remake of the 1986 horror Witchboard, was released in 2024. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Ania, and their three children. Authorities have yet to determine a cause of death, and the family awaits further information.