‘Snakes On A Plane’ Director David R. Ellis Found Dead In South African Hotel Room

January 9, 2013 8:04 AM

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 17: (L-R) Director David R. Ellis, actors Samuel L. Jackson and Julianna Margulies share a laugh during the arrivals for the premiere of New Line Cinema’s “Snakes On A Plane” at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on August 17, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — David R. Ellis, the actor-turned-stuntman-turned-director of “Snakes on a Plane,” has died. He was 60 years old.

Ellis’ manager, David Gardner, confirmed his death Monday and said Ellis’ body was found in a hotel room in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ellis was in Johannesburg working on “Kite,” a remake of the 1998 Japanese anime film that was to have starred “Snakes on a Plane” actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Gardner declined to provide additional details, and no cause of death has been released.

“So sad to hear of David R. Ellis passing!” Jackson tweeted Monday. “So talented, so kind, such a Good Friend. He’ll be missed. Gone too soon!”

Ellis’ directing credits include “Shark Night 3D,” ”The Final Destination,” ”Cellular” and “Final Destination 2.” He also worked on such films as “Misery,” ”Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Waterworld.” Ellis began his Hollywood career as an actor in the 1970s before moving into stunts and directing.

He is survived by his wife and three children.