David R. Ellis | |
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![]() Ellis at the premiere of Snakes on a Plane in 2006 | |
Born | David Richard Ellis September 8, 1952 Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
Died | January 7, 2013 Johannesburg, South Africa | (aged 60)
Occupation(s) | Film director, second unit director, stuntman |
Years active | 1975–2013 |
David Richard Ellis (September 8, 1952 – January 7, 2013) was an American film director and stunt performer born in Santa Monica, California in 1952. His credits included dozens of films and television series including National Lampoon's Vacation, Baywatch, Lethal Weapon, and Patriot Games.[1]
He also served as second unit director on blockbuster action films like Waterworld, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Matrix Reloaded, and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. His feature directorial credits included the action thriller Snakes on a Plane and two entries in the Final Destination series.
On January 7, 2013, Ellis was found dead in his hotel room in Johannesburg, South Africa. The cause of his death remains unknown.