We’re sorry to relay the sad news that director Stuart Gordon has died. Though Stuart Gordon is probably better known to our readers as the director of the H.P Lovecraft adaptation Re-Animator, he was also the man responsible for directing the live action footage of Aliens: Ride at the Speed of Fright, a motion-simulation ride from the mid 90s (and my first ever encounter with the Alien series).
Variety is reporting that Stuart’s family confirmed that he passed away on the night of 24th of March, 2020. Frequent collaborator, and Ride at the Speed of Fright actor, Jeffrey Combs took to Twitter to share his tribute to Stuart.
The film world lost a master and many lost a dear friend. As a filmmaker he was bold, brash and brave. He was a true visionary. As a friend he was kind, gentle and always encouraging. He was like a brother to me. I am flooded with golden memories of Stu. Sympathies to his family. pic.twitter.com/rSQPzkkxb1
— jeffrey combs (@jeffreycombs) March 25, 2020
Diane O’Bannon, wife of Alien scribe Dan O’Bannon also shared her own tribute via the Official Dan O’Bannon Fan Page on Facebook.
Stuart is survived by his wife, Carolyn Purdy-Gordon, his daughters Suzanna, Jillian and Margaret Gordon, four grandchildren and brother, David George Gordon. The thoughts of the Aliens vs. Predator Galaxy staff and community go out to Stuart Gordon’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Stuart.
Screen rides were all the rage in the 90s, Back to the Future ride being the then pinnacle benchmark.
https://avp.fandom.com/wiki/Aliens:_Ride_at_the_Speed_of_Fright
Interest Corporal Hicks intoduction to aliens was a ride, and of course, tributes to Stuart Gordon who made this all possible.