Melvin Van Peebles, the pioneering director behind Watermelon Man and Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, has died.
The father of actor and director Mario Van Peebles, it was revealed that Melvin died on Tuesday (21 September) at his home in Manhattan.
She added: “the iconic artist, filmmaker, actor, playwright, novelist, composer and sage Melvin Van Peebles, who has gone home at the age of 89.”
Criterion said on behalf of his family: “We are saddened to announce the passing of a giant of American cinema, Melvin Van Peebles, who died last night, at home with family, at the age of 89.