Yahoo Movies Dude, Where's My Car? director Danny Leiner dies
Ashton Kutcher is among those paying tribute to film director Danny Leiner, who was behind classic comedies including Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and the Kutcher-starring Dude, Where's My Car?, after he passed away this week.
The news was confirmed by Leiner's friend, film producer Ross Putman, who shared the news on Facebook on Friday (October 19), saying that Leiner's had passed away following a "long illness".
"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 wrote. "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."
Kutcher, who starred in the 2000 film Dude, Where's My Car?, was among those paying tribute to the filmmaker on Twitter.
"Rip Danny Leiner," he wrote. "Thank you for putting up with that young actor who thought he knew way too much way too soon in his career. ....and theeeeen? No and then!"
Rip Danny Leiner. Thank you for putting up with that young actor who thought he knew way too much way too soon in his career. ....and theeeeen? No and then!
- ashton kutcher (@aplusk) October 21, 2018
Leiner has also received tributes from actors John Cho and Kal Penn, who starred in Harold & Kumar and its two sequels.
"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," Cho wrote. "Danny was so sharp, so funny, and a great dinner companion. To his friends and family, my deepest condolences."
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.
- John Cho (@JohnTheCho) October 20, 2018
Meanwhile, Penn also added that he was "very sad" after hearing the news, writing: "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."
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.
- Kal Penn (@kalpenn) October 20, 2018
Several other stars and colleagues also paid tribute to the filmmaker:
RIP Danny Leiner. You cast me in my first movie Harold & Kumar and you were kind and made me feel comfortable. I will never forget it. Thank you.
- Bobby Lee (@bobbyleelive) October 20, 2018
Had a great time working for Danny Leiner on “Dude Where’s My Car?” Wonderful comic mind. R.I.P.
- Brent Spiner (@BrentSpiner) October 20, 2018
I met Danny Leiner when our shorts played together at the Aspen Shortsfest in 1992. He was a deeply talented writer/director and a generous friend and mentor to me over the years. I will miss him dearly. Rest In Peace.
- David Wain (@davidwain) October 20, 2018
Dude, thanks for making us laugh. Danny Leiner, best known for directing 'Dude, Where's My Car?' and 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle', has passed away. RIP. pic.twitter.com/4XQoiDRCKK
- Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) October 21, 2018
HAROLD & KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE is the only studio comedy in my lifetime to a) feature someone who looks like me and b) foreground identity issues without being horribly corny or obnoxiously aspirational. R.I.P. Danny Leiner.
- Vikram Murthi (@fauxbeatpoet) October 20, 2018
I was happy to write about Harold and Kumar go to White Castle for a Rolling Stone feature on the best comedies of the 21st century. Movie really holds up. RIP Danny Leiner. pic.twitter.com/HpTf6cKgIK
- Brian Tallerico (@Brian_Tallerico) October 20, 2018
Leiner was known for directing a string of comedy hits, including Layin' Low and The Great New Wonderful.
He also helmed several episodes of a range of popular TV comedy series, including Freaks and Geeks, Gilmore Girls, Arrested Development, The Sopranos and The Office.
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