What Happened to John Landis?

In 1982, while directing a segment of “Twilight Zone: The Movie,” a catastrophic accident occurred. Actor Vic Morrow and two child actors, Myca Dinh Le (7) and Renee Shin-Yi Chen (6), lost their lives when a helicopter crashed during a complicated stunt sequence. The helicopter was brought down by pyrotechnic explosions that engulfed it, causing it to spin out of control and crash, killing the three actors instantly.

Legal and Industry Repercussions

The accident led to immediate legal action. John Landis, along with several other individuals involved in the production, faced charges of involuntary manslaughter. The ensuing trial was highly publicized and lasted almost a year. In 1987, Landis and the other defendants were acquitted of the charges. Despite the acquittal, the incident had far-reaching consequences.

Impact on Landis’ Career

The tragedy and the subsequent trial cast a long shadow over Landis’ career. While he continued to work in the film industry, directing successful movies like “Trading Places” and “Coming to America,” the incident remained a defining moment. His reputation was indelibly marked by the tragic events, and the controversy altered the public’s perception of him as a filmmaker.