Bob Rafelson Dies: Oscar-Nominated Director Of ‘Five Easy Pieces’, Cocreator Of ‘The Monkees’ Was 89
deadline.comBob Rafelson, a giant in the American independent film movement as a writer, director, and producer, and later a cocreator of The Monkees television show, has died at 89 of natural causes at his Aspen, Colorado home.His death was confirmed by his ex-wife, Gabrielle.Rafelson collaborated with Jack Nicholson on seven features, includeing Five Easy Pieces (1970) and The King of Marvin Gardens (1972).
He was an uncredited producer on Easy Rider.He was also instrumental in cocreating The Monkees, a television music group that was seen as a Beatles offshoot.Rafelson was involved in cowriting and producing Five Easy Pieces, and then produced Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last Picture Show (1971).
He was Oscar-nominated for both.He also made his mark as a cultural influencer in television. With Bert Schneider, he created The Monkees, the 1966 NBC show that brought together a young music group recruited in an open casting call with some of the day’s top songwriters to create a show that still resonates.
The show won an Emmy in 1967 for outstanding comedy series.Rafelson directed several episodes, and served as a producer and EP.
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