Veteran film producer and director Robert Relyea has died, according to a March 15 Washington Post report. The producer, whose credits included “West Side Story,” reportedly died of natural causes in Los Angeles. He was 82.
Relyea enjoyed a long career in Hollywood and worked with legends like Elvis Presley on “Jailhouse Rock,” Steve McQueen on “Bullitt,” and John Wayne on “The Alamo.”
According to Contactmusic.com, Relyea, whose career spanned over 40 years, began his career on the ground as a MGM film company crew member in 1955. He then worked his way up to producer and director on some of the most iconic Hollywood movies. He maintained a longtime professional relationship with McQueen. In addition to “Bullitt,” Relyea worked as an assistant director on “Never So Few,” and “The Magnificent Seven.” Their collaboration also included Relyea’s role as producer on the movie, “The Great Escape.”
Relyea is survived by his wife, Dorothy; five children; two stepchildren and grandchildren.
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