Remembering Jackie Burch: A Tribute to a Legendary Casting Director
Jackie Burch, a renowned casting director known for her work on iconic films like Sixteen Candles, Predator, Die Hard, and Dick Tracy, has passed away at the age of 74 after battling endometrial cancer. Throughout her career, Burch collaborated with filmmakers like John Hughes and John Landis, casting actors for blockbuster movies such as Commando, The Running Man, and Coming to America. She continued to contribute her expertise to major productions in the 2010s, working on films like Iron Man 3, Hidden Figures, and the Hunger Games franchise.
Born in Newburgh, New York, Burch initially worked as a teacher for the deaf before transitioning to a career in the film industry. She made a name for herself by casting actors for a variety of films, including Psycho II, Smokey and the Bandit Part III, and D.C. Cab. Burch's impressive resume also includes casting for films like Road House, Die Hard 2, and Judge Dredd. She received recognition for her work on projects like Bessie and Hidden Figures, earning an Emmy nomination and an Artois Award.
Burch's final project, This Is the One They'll Remember Me By, is scheduled for release next year. She is survived by her daughters, Samy Burch and Molly Burch, as well as her twin sister, Janice, and her beloved poodle, Jack. A memorial will be held in Los Angeles to honor her memory, with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The National Association of the Deaf. Burch's daughters expressed their profound sadness at the loss of their mother, highlighting her impact on both the professional and personal lives of those she touched. Her legacy as a talented casting director and a loving individual will be remembered by many.