Bob Rafelson, 'The Monkees' co-creator and ‘Five Easy Pieces’ director, dead at 89

Rafelson died Saturday evening at his home in Aspen, Colorado

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Rafelson’s death was confirmed by his former personal assistant of 38 years, Jolene Wolff

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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

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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.

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After the 1970s, Rafelson turned to moody noir pictures.

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In addition to "Postman" with Nicholson and Jessica Lange, he directed 1987's "Black Widow," starring Debra Winger and Theresa Russell.

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Rafelson also directed the music video for Lionel Richie's 1983 hit "All Night Long (All Night)"

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Monkees vocalist and drummer Micky Dolenz is the final surviving member of the music group

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