“9 1/2 Weeks”, “Wild Orchid” director dies at 70February 4, 2012 - 11:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Producer, director and screenwriter Zalman King, whose credits include erotically-charged films such as "9 1/2 Weeks," "Red Shoe Diaries" and "Wild Orchid," died Friday, February 3 morning at his Santa Monica home following a six-year battle with cancer. King, whose wife Patricia Louisianna Knop, was at his side at the time of his death, was 70, Reuters reported. Born Zalman Lefkovitz in 1942 in Trenton, N.J., King was primarily known for his racy fare of the '80s and '90s, though his son-in-law, Allison Burnett, told TheWrap that his reputation failed to capture the totality of King's personality. "Zalman was a far more complex and human artist and man than anyone who only knew him from afar can possibly comprehend," Burnett told TheWrap. "He was a truly magnificent human being." In his later career, King focused on documentaries about musicians, directing films about country singers Willie Nelson and Dale Watson, and musician Toledo Diamond. Burnett told TheWrap that he also directed music videos for rap groups, typically free of charge. Actor Charlie Sheen, a longtime friend of King's offered tribute to the director on his Facebook page Friday. "The world lost a brilliant and noble soul today," Sheen wrote. "My dear friend of 40 years, Zalman King, just lost his battle with cancer. Fought like a recon Marine til the bitter end. Say a prayer for his amazing wife Pat and their lovely daughters. Safe travels my friend." King is survived by his wife and their two daughters, screenwriter Chloe King and designer and painter Gillian Lefkovitz. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | CSTO says retains obligations to Armenia The CSTO retains all obligations to Armenia, the country remains an ally of the organization, Imangali Tasmagambetov says. Armenia officially recognises Palestine's statehood Armenia has officially recognised Palestine as a state, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Blinken urges Aliyev to conclude peace deal with Armenia “without delay” Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Thursday, June 20. Joe Manganiello visits Armenian Genocide memorial Hollywood star Joe Manganiello has visited the Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan, according to the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute. |