Fred Roos, who won an Oscar for his work on “The Godfather Part II” and “Apocalypse Now,” has died at 89. Roos was a prominent casting director and producer, closely collaborating with Francis Ford Coppola on numerous projects.
Starting with films like “American Graffiti,” Roos played a crucial role in casting major talents, including Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Carrie Fisher, and Richard Dreyfuss. He notably convinced George Lucas to cast Harrison Ford in “Star Wars.”
Roos’s recent work included serving as casting director and executive producer for Coppola’s new film “Megalopolis,” which premiered at Cannes Film Festival. Roos passed away at his home in Beverly Hills and is survived by his wife, Sarah Drew, and their son, Alexander “Sandy” Roos.
His death follows the passing of Roger Corman, another influential figure in the film industry, who died at 98. Corman, a pioneer in independent film, directed cult classics like “The Little Shop of Horrors” and helped launch the careers of numerous Hollywood icons. Known for working on tight budgets, Corman’s innovative approach left a lasting impact on the film industry.