Richard Glatzer Loses Battle With A.L.S.

Award-Winning Director And Co-Director Of Still Alice Was 63.

Story by David Clark

Diagnosed with A.L.S. in 2011 Richard Glatzer refused to give up his passion in life. With the help of his friend, co-director, and husband Westmoreland, Glatzer continued to work and direct. Within a few short weeks of Julianne Moore winning an oscar for her performance in Glatzer’s and Westmoreland’s Academy Award-winning Still Alice, Richard Glatzer lost his battle with A.L.S. and passed away at the age of 63.

The news has been confirmed by Ekta Farrar from the public relations firm Block Korenbrot that Glatzer died in Los Angeles this past Tuesday March 10, 2015.

The strength and fortitude required to forge ahead when faced with such a debilitating diagnosis speaks to the courage of Richard Glatzer. Known more commonly as Lou Gehrig's Disease, A.L.S. slowly causes degeneration of the brain and spinal cord until the body can no longer function. That is what Glatzer bravely fought over the course of four years.

While he is known for other works such as Quinceanera in 2006, The Last Of Robin Hood in 2013, and for his time spent on America’s Next Top Model; it is fitting that the last film he gave to the world was Still Alice.

Still Alice, as Glatzer admitted, hit very close to home. A best selling novel written by Lisa Genova, Still Alice highlighted the trials and tribulations faced by those who suffer from Alzheimers Disease. Admittedly A.L.S. and Alzheimers Disease are very different, but it is hard not to draw comparisons between the two knowing what Richard was going through. How difficult must it have been to direct and oversee a film portraying a person going through such a similar struggle with a life altering disease.

When asked about it Richard confessed, “It hit way too close. But when I finished reading, I knew we [Glatzer & Westmoreland] had to do it.”

Julianne Moore spoke about working on the film Still Alice with Glatzer. By the time filming started Glatzer was significantly impaired. It was reported he utilized an Ipad text-to-speak application and only had the ability to type using a single finger. Despite the severity of his declining health he continued to push through with directing the film. Moore spoke to how inspired the cast and crew were seeing Glatzer continue to work despite his condition.

Perhaps the reason for Still Alice’s success was the insights Glatzer had into the struggles of the main character paired with his inspiring presence on set. One thing is for sure, Richard Glatzer will be missed.

Source: USA Today; THR