Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Director Chuck Russell, ‘Mask’ Filmmaker, Dies at 74

7/25/2026

44 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chuck Russell, director of *A Nightmare on Elm Street 3* and *The Mask*, died unexpectedly at his San Diego-area home on July 22, 2026, at age 74.
His wife Ania Russell found him unresponsive, called 911, and reported that fire-department personnel could not revive him.
Officials have not disclosed the cause of death.
Russell is survived by his wife, three children and his sister.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 New Line Cinema released The Mask, starring Jim Carrey, which earned $351 million worldwide and became the fourth-highest-grossing film that year. Its blend of cartoonish violence and slapstick comedy showed that a comic-book adaptation could succeed beyond pure action, prompting studios to greenlight similar genre-mix sequels such as Son of the Mask in 2005.

1 of 2

Story summary

Chuck Russell, director of *A Nightmare on Elm Street 3* and *The Mask*, died unexpectedly at his San Diego-area home on July 22, 2026, at age 74.
His wife Ania Russell found him unresponsive, called 911, and reported that fire-department personnel could not revive him.
Officials have not disclosed the cause of death.
Russell is survived by his wife, three children and his sister.

1 / 2