Andy Vajna, 'Rambo' and 'Terminator 3' Producer, Dies at 74
Andy Vajna, a prominent producer of blockbuster action flicks including multiple "Rambo" and "Terminator" films, has died. He was 74.
Vajna passed away in Budapest, Hungary on Sunday, according to the Hungarian National Film Fund, which he helped found. The fund said in a Facebook post that the producer was a "dominant figure in the Hungarian and international film industry."
Along with producing partner Mario Kassar, Vajna created indie outlet Carolco, which produced numerous hits including the first three "Rambo" flicks, "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines," and "Total Recall." Other famous releases included "Basic Instinct," "Nixon," "Evita," "Judge Dredd," and "Die Hard With a Vengeance," among many more.
After a successful career in American filmmaking, Vajna returned to his native Hungary to found a film distribution company. He also served as a government commissioner in charge of the national film industry.
In a Twitter post, Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to Vajna, who he called "a dear friend and a revolutionary force in Hollywood." The star noted that Vajna was a trailblazer when it came to film production in the '80s and '90s.
No official cause of death was given, though Variety reports that Vajna passed away after "a long illness."
[via: Variety]