Leon Vitali, a long-time collaborator with the acclaimed film director Stanley Kubrick, has died aged 74.
Vitali died on Saturday in Los Angeles surrounded by loved ones including his three children, Masha, Max and Vera, according to The Associated Press.
Following his passing, his children said in a statement: “Leon was a special and lovely man driven by his curiosity, who spread love and warmth wherever he went.
“He will be remembered with love and be hugely missed by the many people he touched.”
After their announcement, the official Twitter channel for Kubrick said in a tweet: "It is with the greatest of sadness that we have to tell you that the mainstay of a vast number of Kubrick’s films, Leon Vitali, passed away peacefully last night.
"Our thoughts are with his family and all that new and loved him."
Vitali started his acting career in the early 1970s, with small roles in several British television shows including Softly, Softly, Follyfoot, Z Cars and Notorious Woman.
In 1974 he got his biggest break when he was cast as Lord Bullingdon, the son-in-law of Ryan O’Neal’s title character, in Kubrick’s movie Barry Lyndon.
The film won four Oscars and was nominated for another three, more than any of Kubrick’s other films.
Aside from the feature’s award success, the movie marked the beginning of a two-decade long collaboration that would see Vitali act as Kubrick’s assistant on Eyes Wide Shut, The Shining and Oscar-nominated Full Metal Jacket.
He even made a brief return to acting during their time working together and appeared in his final film, Eyes Wide Shut, playing the part of Red Cloak.
Vitali also famously helped cast the child star of The Shining, Danny Lloyd, to play Jack Nicholson’s psychic son Danny, and as well as Louise and Lisa Burns as the creepy Grady twins.
Following Kubrick’s death in 1999, Vitali oversaw restorations for many of the renowned director’s films, which was captured for 2018 documentary Filmmaker.
It is with the greatest of sadness that we have to tell you that the mainstay of a vast number of Kubrick's films, Leon Vitali, passed away peacefully last night. Our thoughts are with his family and all that new and loved him.
— Stanley Kubrick (@StanleyKubrick) August 21, 2022
26 July 1948 - 20 August 2022 pic.twitter.com/uE0Q1KvQi1
After news of his passing was announced on Sunday tributes poured in for Vitali who was described as “kind”, “generous” and someone who “personified grace”.
Matthew Modine, who starred in Full Metal Jacket, tweeted: “There are people we meet who have a profound impact upon our lives. Leon Vitali was one such person in mine.
“An artist in every aspect of his life. A loving father & friend to so many. A kind, generous & forgiving nature. He exemplified & personified grace.”
Director of Disney’s Coco and Toy Story 3, Lee Unkrich wrote on Twitter: "Completely heartbroken to hear about the passing of Leon Vitali.
"He helped me *enormously* with my Shining book and I’m gutted that he won’t see it. He was a sweet, kind, humble, generous man and a vital part of Stanley Kubrick’s team. RIP, dear Leon."
