George Armitage, the celebrated filmmaker renowned for blending crime with dark comedy, has passed away at the age of 82. His death was confirmed by his niece to TMZ, who shared that he died last Saturday surrounded by close family, including his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. While the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, the news has prompted a wave of remembrance for Armitage’s unique voice in American cinema.

Armitage earned cult acclaim with the 1997 film Grosse Pointe Blank, starring John Cusack as a conflicted hitman revisiting his high school past. Prior to that, he directed Miami Blues (1990), a darkly humorous crime film that helped launch Alec Baldwin’s early career. Known for his sharp dialogue, genre-defying storytelling, and ability to inject humor into gritty narratives, Armitage carved out a distinctive niche in film. His works remain beloved by fans of offbeat, intelligent cinema and continue to influence filmmakers today.