Michael Massee, the actor who accidentally shot and killed Brandon Lee on the set of the 1994 film The Crow, has died at age 64. Massee passed away on October 20, 2016, from stomach cancer in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his wife, Ellen, and reported by multiple sources.
Why it matters: Massee's tragic involvement in Lee's death during filming has raised awareness about safety protocols on movie sets. The incident remains a haunting reminder of the potential dangers associated with prop weapons in filmmaking.
- Massee was filming one of the final scenes of The Crow when a prop gun he used fired a bullet fragment, leading to Lee's death at age 28.
- The incident occurred on March 30, 1993, during a scene where Lee's character was shot by Massee's character, Funboy.
- Lee died after several hours of surgery on March 31, 1993, due to a bullet fragment lodged in his spine.
Driving the news: The accident unfolded when Massee pulled the trigger of a revolver that had been improperly prepared by crew members. The gun was supposed to fire a blank cartridge, but instead, a metallic projectile struck Lee.
- Witnesses reported that the gun fired, and the grocery bag Lee was carrying detonated, leading to confusion until blood was seen.
- The tragedy occurred during a routine scene, which had been rehearsed multiple times, adding to the shock of the event.
- No criminal charges were filed against Massee, and the incident was ruled an accident.
State of play: After the incident, Massee took a year off from acting, grappling with the emotional toll of the tragedy. He later returned to Hollywood, appearing in various notable television series and films.
- Massee starred in popular TV shows like 24, Rizzoli & Isles, and The X-Files, becoming a respected character actor.
- He also had roles in films such as Seven (1995) and The Amazing Spider-Man (2012).
- Throughout his career, Massee never escaped the shadow of the accident, often expressing the weight of what happened.
The big picture: The incident involving Massee and Lee is often referenced in discussions about on-set safety and the use of prop guns in film. It parallels other recent tragedies, highlighting the need for stricter safety protocols in the industry.
- Lee's death prompted discussions on safety regulations, which gained renewed attention following the 2021 shooting incident involving actor Alec Baldwin.
- Baldwin faced criminal charges related to the accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, drawing comparisons to Massee's case.
- The film The Crow was released in May 1994 and grossed over $50 million in the U.S., becoming a cult classic.
What they're saying: Massee's peers and fans have expressed their condolences and shared memories of his talent and character. Many have emphasized that he should be remembered for more than the tragedy.
- Actor Angie Harmon, a co-star of Massee, tweeted, “My heart is heavy to hear of his passing. He was immensely talented & had the kindest soul.”
- In interviews, Massee described the incident as a tragic accident that he would carry with him for life.
- “I don’t think you ever get over something like that,” Massee stated, emphasizing the lasting impact of the event on his life.
By the numbers: Massee's career spanned decades, with numerous appearances in both film and television, marking him as a versatile actor.
- Massee appeared in over 50 film and television projects throughout his career.
- The Crow was one of his earliest roles, occurring just after he had only two film credits to his name.
- Brandon Lee's death occurred just before the film's release, which was dedicated to him and his fiancée.
What's next: The conversation surrounding on-set safety continues to evolve, driven by incidents like those involving Massee and Baldwin. The industry is under pressure to implement stricter safety measures.
- Calls for mandatory gun safety training for actors have gained traction, especially following high-profile incidents.
- Shannon Lee, Brandon Lee's sister, has advocated for improved safety protocols in the industry, stating, “It shouldn’t happen again.”
- As the film industry reflects on these tragedies, the hope is to prevent future accidents and protect all involved in production.
The legacy of Michael Massee, intertwined with the memory of Brandon Lee, serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in filmmaking. The industry must learn from past mistakes to honor those lost.