Bob Rafelson, 'The Monkees' co-creator and ‘Five Easy Pieces’ director, dead at 89
Rafelson died Saturday evening at his home in Aspen, Colorado
Rafelson’s death was confirmed by his former personal assistant of 38 years, Jolene Wolff
Rafelson was a major behind-the-scenes force in the making of movies like "Easy Rider" in 1969 and "The Last Picture Show" in 1971
But "Five Easy Pieces"- which Rafelson produced and directed - made him a big figure in the new generation of filmmakers who were influenced by the French New Wave.
After the 1970s, Rafelson turned to moody noir pictures.
In addition to "Postman" with Nicholson and Jessica Lange, he directed 1987's "Black Widow," starring Debra Winger and Theresa Russell.
Rafelson also directed the music video for Lionel Richie's 1983 hit "All Night Long (All Night)"
Monkees vocalist and drummer Micky Dolenz is the final surviving member of the music group
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