Dianne Crittenden, a renowned casting director known for her work on some of the most iconic films of the 1970s and '80s, including 'Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope,' 'Days of Heaven,' and 'Pretty Woman,' passed away on March 19 at the age of 82. She breathed her last in Pacific Palisades, Calif., as confirmed by her friend and mentee Ilene Starger.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Crittenden left an indelible mark on the industry with her exceptional talent in casting. Her impressive list of credits includes films like 'The Thin Red Line,' 'On Golden Pond,' 'Witness,' 'Badlands,' 'Oh! God,' 'Howard the Duck,' 'Wise Guys,' and 'Spiderman 2.' Notably, she received a CSA Artios award nomination for her work on 'Witness.'
Crittenden collaborated with some of the most prominent directors in the industry, such as Ridley Scott, Peter Bogdanovich, Wes Craven, George Romero, and Brian De Palma. In a 2010 featurette included in the Criterion Collection release, she shared insights into her experience working with Terrence Malick on 'The Thin Red Line,' emphasizing Malick's vision of authenticity in casting.
Besides her work in film, Crittenden made significant contributions to television, with projects like 'The Awakening Land,' 'Sybil,' and 'The New Dick Van Dyke Show' to her name. Born in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y., on August 6, 1941, Crittenden initially pursued a career as an elementary school teacher before transitioning into the world of film and television.
Her journey in the industry began when she partnered with photographer and director Howard Zieff, leading to collaborations on advertising campaigns, commercials, and films. Crittenden's legacy lives on through her brother, Donald Derfner, her sister, Dori Carter, and her stepdaughter, Jennifer Crittenden.
