We are sad to inform you of the death of special effects wizard Grant McCune. He passed away in his California home on Monday due to complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 67.
McCune got his start with an uncredited job on JAWS. His first credited role is also his best known: He served as chief model maker on STAR WARS, which won him an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. He also briefly appeared as a Death Star Gunner in the picture.
From there, McCune continued on his path of visual effects, working on such films as GHOSTBUSTERS II, SPEED, STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, SPACEBALLS, and LIFEFORCE. In the early ’90s, McCune opened his own company, McCune Design, for which he served as miniature supervisor. His final credit is 2008’s RAMBO.
McCune is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. Our hearts go out to all of his family, friends, and fans. May he rest in peace.