The filmmaker—known for his work in The Mask, The Blob and Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors—died at 74 on July 22, his wife Ania Zeyne confirmed.
“He was such a wonderful guy,” the actress told The Hollywood Reporter July 24. “He meant everything to me.”
A cause of death was not disclosed.
Russell (born Charles Raymond Russell) was found unresponsive by Zeyne at his San Diego home, according to the outlet. TMZ confirmed that fire department personnel responded to a medical emergency involving an unconscious male at Russell’s residence July 23 but were unable to revive him.
During his memorable career, the filmmaker moved millions of fans with his acclaimed work. In addition to directing 1994’s The Mask with Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz, Russell spearheaded the groundbreaking visual effects made by George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic company for the movie, which earned the team an Oscar.