Director of The Mask (1994) and Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, Chuck Russell, passed away at his home in San Diego on July 22 according to Deadline. The news broke out to TMZ first and was later confirmed by Variety. In a recent statement with deadline, Jim Carrey, the lead of Russell’s The Mask, said, “I consider it a privilege to have worked with Chuck Russell, who during the shooting of The Mask, created an ebullient, childlike atmosphere of wonder and camaraderie on his set.”

He followed with, “The entire cast and crew were touched and inspired by his playfulness. Every one of us. [It] has been many years blessed by that buoyant and timeless moment. I consider The Mask one of the jewels of my creative life. Thank you, Chuck.” The Mask was also Cameron Diaz’s first on-screen debut. She has not made a comment on the death of Chuck Russell.

Among The Mask and Nightmare on Elm Street, Russell directed other films such as The Scorpion King (2002) and The Blob (1988). His most recent film was WitchBoard (2024) which is a remake of as franchise that first premiered in 1986.

As of now, Russell’s cause of death is unknown. He is survived by his wife, Ania, three children, Logan, Riley and Carlyn and sister Anne Jacob.