William H Wisher Jr, the screenwriter and producer who co-wrote The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, has died at the age of 71.
According to Deadline, Wisher’s family confirmed that the filmmaker died peacefully at his home.
In a statement, the family said Wisher believed stories had the power to connect people across generations.
“While the world celebrates the unforgettable films he helped create, we will remember him for his kindness, his humour, his brilliant imagination, and the love he gave so freely to his family and friends. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time,” the statement said.
Wisher helped redefine the science fiction action genre through his work on James Cameron’s 1984 film The Terminator. He reunited with Cameron to co-write its acclaimed sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, released in 1991.
During his career, Wisher also contributed to the screenplays of Judge Dredd (1995), The 13th Warrior (1999), Exorcist: The Beginning (2004), Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005), Live Free or Die Hard (2007) and I.T. (2016).
Following news of his death, The Terminator producer Gale Anne Hurd paid tribute to her longtime collaborator.
“Such terribly sad news… Bill was not only integral to The Terminator but he was such an all-round great guy. RIP,” she wrote.
Wisher is survived by his wife, Deborah Lynn Wisher; his siblings, Brian Wisher, John Wisher, Carla DeMaci and Dana Aboissiere; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.
