Renowned Casting Director Jackie Burch of ‘Die Hard’ Fame Dies at 74
Jackie Burch, a celebrated casting director known for her work on iconic films such as Die Hard and The Breakfast Club, passed away on Sunday at the age of 74. She succumbed to endometrial cancer at her home in Atlanta. Her death was confirmed by Gail Goldberg, a close friend and fellow casting director. Burch’s family expressed their profound sorrow, stating, “We are heartbroken and in shock at the prospect of living without our vibrant, charming, funny, special, and incredibly loving mom.”
Legacy of Jackie Burch
Burch’s remarkable career spanned over 45 years and extends across numerous films and television series. Notably, she was also involved in casting for blockbuster films like Iron Man 3, Ant-Man, and The Hunger Games series. Her impactful work helped shaped the landscape of Hollywood casting.
Early Career and Major Projects
Born on March 25, 1951, in Newburgh, New York, Burch began her career in the early 1980s. Some of her early notable projects included:
- Forbidden World
- Psycho II
- DC Cab
- Smokey and the Bandit Part 3
She later collaborated with renowned filmmaker John Hughes on three of his classic 1980s films: Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Weird Science.
Collaboration with Notable Directors
Burch partnered with several prominent directors throughout her career. Some of her collaborations included:
- Warren Beatty (Dick Tracy)
- Jim Abrahams (Hot Shots! Part Deux)
- John Landis (Coming to America)
- Martha Coolidge (Real Genius)
- Brian Helgeland (42)
- Peter Bogdanovich (Mask)
Impact on the Action Film Genre
One of Burch’s most significant contributions to film is her role in casting Die Hard (1988), which helped elevate Bruce Willis to stardom. She also cast its sequel, Die Hard 2. Her work extended to several successful film series and sequels, including:
- Another 48 HRS.
- Beverly Hills Cops III
- The Santa Clause 2
- Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip
Burch had credits in numerous other films, such as Fright Night, Road House, Punchline, and most recently, Lilly. Her final project, This Is the One They’ll Remember Me By, is set to be released next year.
Acknowledgment and Awards
In addition to her film work, Burch received an Emmy nomination for the casting of Bessie (2015), featuring Queen Latifah. The film earned multiple accolades, including four Emmy wins. Over the years, Burch received seven Artios Awards from the Casting Society, notably winning for her work on the critically acclaimed film Hidden Figures in 2017.
Survived by Family
Burch is survived by her daughters, Samy Burch, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, and Molly Burch, a former singer-songwriter. Her family, including her twin sister Janice Papolos, will hold a memorial in her honor in Los Angeles, with details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations to The National Association of the Deaf are encouraged to celebrate her legacy.
