Wolfgang Petersen director of The Neverending Story and The Boat

Wolfgang Petersen, director of ‘The Neverending Story’ and ‘The Boat: Hell at Sea’, dies aged 81

German director Wolfgang Petersen died on Friday at the age of 81 from pancreatic cancer. The news was confirmed by its producer to Variety magazine’s website this Tuesday (16).

The filmmaker started his career in Germany and made daring films like 1977’s “The Consequence” about homosexual love.

He made his Hollywood debut in 1981 directing The Boat: Hell Over the Sea, which received six Academy Award nominations—two for Wolfgang, for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From there began a successful career in American cinema. One of the most famous films is the children’s classic “The Endless Story” from 1984.

Other successful films include 1997’s Air Force One, starring Harrison Ford, 1995’s Epidemic, starring Dustin Hoffman and Morgan Freeman, and 1985’s Enemy of Mine, starring Dennis Quaid.

2 of 2 The Neverending Story — Photo: Disclosure/ Site

The Neverending Story — Photo: Disclosure / Website