Mannequin director Michael Gottlieb dies in motorcycle crash

Michael Gottlieb left his mark on Hollywood, and the actors he worked with are now mourning his loss.

Director Michael Gottlieb made arguably one of the most important movies of the 1980s, and is now being mourned by his family and the actors he worked with. The 69-year-old died on Friday, May 23 in a motorcycle crash, according to People.

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Gottlieb directed Mannequin, the 1987 movie that starred Andrew McCarthy and a young, pre-Sex and the City Kim Cattrall as a mannequin brought to life. McCarthy tweeted about the news over the weekend.

Very sad: @marciliroff: How sad! RT @THR: 'Mannequin' Writer-Director Michael Gottlieb Dies at 69 http://t.co/vuZNqNBrjG cc

— Andrew McCarthy (@AndrewTMcCarthy) May 27, 2014

The director was reportedly riding on his 2012 Ducati on the Angeles Crest Highway when he “crossed into opposing traffic in an attempt to pass [the car in front of him],” according to a statement by the California Highway Patrol, via Entertainment Weekly.

The car in front of him attempted to turn left and Gottlieb was thrown from his bike.

“As a result of the collision, he received severe head trauma and a broken neck, and succumbed to his injuries,” the statement explained, adding that Gottlieb was wearing a helmet.

Others began tweeting about the news of Gottlieb’s death.

Mannequin Original Theatrical Trailer [1987]: http://t.co/IgcmSxwup1 via @YouTubeI In memory director Michael Gottlieb.Love this movie,

— matthieu van leer (@mattvanleer) May 27, 2014

In Memoriam: Beloved Film faculty member, Michael Gottlieb. http://t.co/5DXj4JUM0f

— ArtCenter College of Design (@artcenteredu) May 27, 2014

Gottlieb also directed other films like A Kid in King Arthur’s Court, Mr. Nanny and The Shrimp on the Barbie. He also worked in video games and was a part of many Mortal Kombat games.

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He was most recently working as a professor of film at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. ACCD film chair, Ross LaManna, issued a statement on the school’s website, saying, “Michael Gottlieb was superbly talented in an unusual number of creative disciplines. His love for his students and generosity with his time and expertise were second to none. He mentored, guided, cheer-led and scolded hundreds of students through the challenging process of writing a feature-length screenplay and took enormous pride in their accomplishments.”

Gottlieb leaves behind three daughters.