Director Danny Leiner Dies at 57 (Dude, Where's My Car?, Harold & Kumar) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 10-21-2018, 10:04 PM

Danny Leiner Dies: Director of Harold & Kumar and Dude, Where’s My Car? was 57
by Bruce Haring
October 20, 2018

Danny Leiner, the director behind comedies Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle and Dude, Where’s My Car?, died Thursday from lung cancer.

His death at age 57 was confirmed via a Facebook post by Ross Putman, who produced several films with Leiner.

"Today I found out that my friend and collaborator Danny Leiner passed away after a long illness. Danny was one of the producers with me on the first real film I ever made; he was not only gracious in sharing the job with some newbies just getting their sea legs, but taught us a great deal in the process. And we collaborated a few times after that, including on the film I just finished—which he helped champion for years.

If there’s one thing I can say about Danny the professional, it’s that he refused to let us settle for anything less than our best. He pushed us to do what he knew we were capable of.

Danny the person was sardonic, sharp, and savvy, with a love for culture and comedy of all kinds. It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but the world has lost a good one.

And since I’m feeling blue, and maybe you are too, a watch of his seminal comedy Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle might be just the ticket to cheer you back up. I can’t imagine he’d discourage you from doing it."

Actors John Cho and Kal Penn, the stars of the Harold & Kumar films, praised Leiner via Twitter:

Kal Penn:

"Very sad to learn that our friend Danny Leiner passed away. We initially got to know each other when he directed Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle. Sending my love to his family & friends. He was such a funny, thoughtful, encouraging person."

John Cho:

"I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Danny Leiner, who became my friend when he directed Harold and Kumar go to Whitecastle. Danny was so sharp, so funny, and a great dinner companion. To his friends and family, my deepest condolences."

Leiner graduated SUNY Purchase in 1987. His first feature film was Layin’ Low, starring Jeremy Piven and Edie Falco, and he followed that with Dude, Where’s My Car?, which bowed in 2000.

His 2004 stoner comedy Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle would spawn two sequels.

Leiner also was active in televison, directing episodes of "Felicity", "Freaks and Geeks", "Party of Five", "Gilmore Girls", "Arrested Development", "The Sopranos", and "The Office".

Leiner’s last credited work is an episode he directed of ABC’s "Selfie", which reunited him with Cho.

Leiner is survived by his ex-wife, Margaret Mendelson, mother Anne Leiner, sister Karen Leiner, and brother Ken Leiner.

A memorial in Los Angeles is planned, but no details are set.

https://deadline.com/2018/10/danny-l...57-1202486643/

10-21-2018, 10:04 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,121	Director Danny Leiner Dies at 57 (Dude, Where's My Car?, Harold & Kumar) *Danny Leiner Dies: Director of Harold & Kumar* and Dude, Where’s My Car? was 57** by Bruce Haring October 20, 2018 Danny Leiner, the director behind comedies Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle and Dude, Where’s My Car?, died Thursday from lung cancer. His death at age 57 was confirmed via a Facebook post by Ross Putman, who produced several films with Leiner. "Today I found out that my friend and collaborator Danny Leiner passed away after a long illness. Danny was one of the producers with me on the first real film I ever made; he was not only gracious in sharing the job with some newbies just getting their sea legs, but taught us a great deal in the process. And we collaborated a few times after that, including on the film I just finished—which he helped champion for years. If there’s one thing I can say about Danny the professional, it’s that he refused to let us settle for anything less than our best. He pushed us to do what he knew we were capable of. Danny the person was sardonic, sharp, and savvy, with a love for culture and comedy of all kinds. It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but the world has lost a good one. And since I’m feeling blue, and maybe you are too, a watch of his seminal comedy Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle might be just the ticket to cheer you back up. I can’t imagine he’d discourage you from doing it." Actors John Cho and Kal Penn, the stars of the Harold & Kumar films, praised Leiner via Twitter: Kal Penn: "Very sad to learn that our friend Danny Leiner passed away. We initially got to know each other when he directed Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle. Sending my love to his family & friends. He was such a funny, thoughtful, encouraging person." John Cho: "I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Danny Leiner, who became my friend when he directed Harold and Kumar go to Whitecastle. Danny was so sharp, so funny, and a great dinner companion. To his friends and family, my deepest condolences." Leiner graduated SUNY Purchase in 1987. His first feature film was Layin’ Low, starring Jeremy Piven and Edie Falco, and he followed that with Dude, Where’s My Car?, which bowed in 2000. His 2004 stoner comedy Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle would spawn two sequels. Leiner also was active in televison, directing episodes of "Felicity", "Freaks and Geeks", "Party of Five", "Gilmore Girls", "Arrested Development", "The Sopranos", and "The Office". Leiner’s last credited work is an episode he directed of ABC’s "Selfie", which reunited him with Cho. Leiner is survived by his ex-wife, Margaret Mendelson, mother Anne Leiner, sister Karen Leiner, and brother Ken Leiner. A memorial in Los Angeles is planned, but no details are set. https://deadline.com/2018/10/danny-l...57-1202486643/ Attached Images