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The brain behind Jim Carrey's iconic movie, The Mask, Chuck Russell has tragically died at the age of 74!
On Friday, July 24, the deceased filmmaker's wife, Ania Zeyne, who is also an American actress, announced the director's death in a heartbreaking statement.
"He was such a wonderful guy; he meant everything to me," she mourned the major family member's loss.
Chuck Russell's cause of death
However, Russell's cause of death has not been disclosed yet.
The news broke on Friday as the director breathed his last at his San Diego area home on Wednesday, reported by TMZ.
The local fire department also confirmed to the media outlets that the department responded to his home in the afternoon earlier this week, after receiving a distressing call of a medical emergency for an unconscious male.
After reaching the place, the officials found it was Chuck Russell, who was unconscious and not responding.
Jim Carrey's old companion
The late filmmaker rose to fame after her directed the infamous horror movie, The Mask, featuring Jim Carrey, who grabbed headlines this year after his controversial appearance at the 2026 César Awards in Paris.
Chuck Russell's career highlights
He also worked alongside notable names in Hollywood, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwayne Johnson.
Russell served as a director on 1987's A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, as well as having written and directed The Blob in 1988.
Tributes for Chuck Russell
As his wife confirmed his death, several devastated celebrities began pouring in emotional tribute, remembering Russell.
Paying tribute to the deceased filmmaker, Warner Bros Entertainment wrote on their official Instagram account.
"Remembering Chuck Russell," they penned with a photo of the talented director.
One of the music composers, Bear McCreary, also lamented the loss, stating, "Shocked to learn of the passing of my friend Chuck Russell. He was a visionary filmmaker, who I believe had just embarked on a new chapter in his storied career. I will miss our long chats about movies and music. Mask, Blob, Nightmare 3. Eraser. Classics, all. RIP, friend."
Another film critic, Courtney Howard, said losing the director is "sad to hear" She recalls her last meeting with the late artist, saying he was "kinder and more gracious."
Chuck Russell – who is survived by his wife and his children Riley and Carlyn- has yet to announce the details of his funeral mass.
