Comedy director dies

Iconic film director John Hughes has passed away, aged 59Â…

08:33 07 August 2009

Iconic director John Hughes has died at the age of 59 after suffering a heart attack.

Hughes, known for his work on titles such as 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' and 'The Breakfast Club', died during a walk in New York, his spokeswoman confirmed.

The director, screenwriter and producer was one of the most prolific independent filmmakers in Hollywood history.

He helped to launch the careers of many iconic actors including Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson and Molly Ringwald, who all appeared in 'The Breakfast Club' (1985).

Other of his film credits include, 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles', starring Steve Martin, 'Home Alone', with Macaulay Culkin, 'Pretty in Pink', 'National Lampoon's Vacation', 'Weird Science' and 'Uncle Buck'.

His last directing work was on 'Curly Sue' (1991) before he decided to step out of the limelight with the huge commercial success of his films.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, who he had been with for 39 years, and his two sons, John III, and James.