H. Gordon Boos

A leading assistant director in Hollywood throughout the 1980s and '90s, writer/director H. Gordon Boos worked on some of the biggest films, and under some of the biggest directors, of his era. Of course, one can't remain in the shadows forever, and with such efforts as 1990's Red Surf (headlined by a pre-superstar George Clooney) and the romantic drama Touch Me (1997), Boos proved that he could take the reigns to turn out a compelling film. The Illinois native's career shot into overdrive after moving to Los Angeles in the early '80s, and it wasn't long before he was working for such notable figures as Oliver Stone (Platoon), Norman Jewison (In Country), and Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather Part III). Though he would only direct four films (the first two of which he also penned), Boos continued to gain credibility in Hollywood for work in such features as Tin Cup and Play It to the Bone. In addition to feature work, Boos frequently kept busy with work on various commercials and music videos. On April 3, 2004, H. Gordon Boos died in his home state of Illinois following an extended battle with brain cancer. He was 45.

~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide