Star Wars and Indiana Jones legend Robert Watts dies aged 86-Kitty Chrisp-Entertainment – Metro

British producer Robert Watts – who worked on many classic films – has died (Picture: Robert Watts/Linkedin)

Hollywood producer Robert Watts has died at the age of 86.

The British filmmaker – who collaborated with George Lucas on the first three Star Wars films, and the first three Indiana Jones movies – died at his home in East Sussex on Monday.

Born in London on May 23 1938, after two years of national service Watts got into the film industry as a runner on the comedy A French Mistress in 1960, and would go on to work on some of the biggest blockbuster franchises.

His representative Julian Owen at Alliance Agents confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.

‘We were with him for a decade taking him to conventions all over the world, where he could connect with fans and talk about his career,’ he reflected.

Many have taken to social media to pay tribute, with fellow Indiana Jones film producer Frank Marshall taking to X.

He was in the film industry for around 60 years (Picture: Getty)

‘We have sadly lost another great one, Robert Watts, a producer on ALIVE and many STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES movies,’ he began.

‘He was loved by all who worked with him, and I learned a lot from his vast knowledge, wonderful spirit and sense of humor. Sail on, dear friend, sail on.’

Podcaster James Benning said: ‘Heartbroken to hear that Robert Watts has passed away.

‘The afternoon we spent with him in 2018 was filled with such unforgettable stories.

‘He spoke about the passion needed to succeed in the industry. His own passion shone brightly, right until the end. We owe you so much.’

ITV news presenter and filmmaker David Whiteley called him a ‘giant of Hollywood’ and said: ‘This one hurts a hell of a lot. Farewell to a movie legend, a wonderful Hollywood producer but above all a good friend.

‘We first met @starwars production supervisor Robert Watts @ElstreeStudios to film his contribution to our Star Wars documentary The Galaxy Britain Built.

‘His stories fascinating. A true ranconteur! His kindness and support for us, unwavering. He even wrote the foreword to my book. Nothing ever too much trouble.

He worked as a producer on the first three Indiana Jones films, and also the first three Star Wars movies (Picture: James Gillham/Shutterstock)

‘But above all, we became friends, with his assistant the lovely Sue, we loved our get togethers and lunches near his home too. He helped bring the world so much joy with Star Wars, Indiana Jones, the list goes on.

‘Robert was a true giant of Hollywood, with a great sense of humour, wit & intelligence but all with such humility and was always overwhelmed when meeting his fans at conventions.

‘Thank you Robert. For everything. The Force will be with you, always.’

Watts worked his way up from a runner at a commercials company based in Shepperton Studios.

In the 1960s he turned to feature films where he worked as a production and location manager on movies including Darling, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Once.

He got into the Star Wars world when he was employed by producer Gary Kurtz, and he went on to collaborate for many years with George Lucas and Lucasfilm.

The filmmaker worked as an associate producer on The Empire Strikes back and he co-produced Return of the Jedi, going on to also produce Indiana Jones films, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Watts’ most recent credit was for TheWorldIsMyCountry, a 2021 film which he was the executive producer on, about Broadway actor Garry Davis who ignited a movement that would result in the UN’s Declaration of Human Rights.

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