MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Martha De Laurentiis die? Wife of Dino De Laurentiis and 'Hannibal' producer was 67

Producer of films like 'Hannibal' and 'Red Dragon,' Martha De Laurentiis dies, aged 67, after a long battle with brain cancer

With over four decades of brilliance behind the camera bringing epic American films and TV shows to life, producer Martha De Laurentiis died on December 4. She was 67 and had fought a long battle with brain cancer. 

Wife of the late Dino De Laurentiis, Martha was the executive producer of the hit NBC series 'Hannibal,' an adaptation of Thomas Harris' novel. The show was written by Bryan Fuller who had some exceptionally sweet things to say about Martha after she died. In an Instagram post sharing the demise of Martha, Fuller wrote, "What an amazing lady. Martha De Laurentiis left us yesterday peacefully with her family at her side. Long live Martha and her brilliant legacy."

READ MORE

Is Don West OK? Ex TNA wrestling announcer reveals cancer battle to shocked fans

Three-year-old boy died from a incurable brain cancer after doctors initally misdiagnosed him with a sprained ankle

While talking with Deadline, Martha's daughter Dina De Laurentiis said, "My mother was both a warm, generous, optimistic soul – my father always referred to her as his ‘sunshine’ – and a fierce protector. A treasured wife, mother, and grandmother, and a friend who touched so many, as well as a nurturer – and protector – of creative people on the movies and television she loved. She put family first, but got up every morning passionate about building upon my father’s legacy and continuing to forge her own. Her kindness, intelligence and grace will continue to inspire us." Born on the 10th of July in 1954, Martha De Laurentiis was a co-founder of the Dino De Laurentiis Company. Dino De Laurentiis was initially a work partner but eventual became her husband. They married each other in 1990 and remained married until late Dino's death in 2010. During this span, they had two lovely daughters Carolyna (33) and Dina (31). 

Till 1995, Martha was credited as Martha Schumacher. This includes her credit as a producer on 'Firestarter,' the 1984 big-screen adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.

Then came 'Hannibal' in 2001, 'Red Dragon' in 2002 and 'Hannibal Rising' in 2007 — on which Martha was credited by her current name, Martha De Laurentiis, after she partnered with Dino De Laurentiis, her husband. The NBC series 'Hannibal' that ran from 2013 to 2015 was also produced by Martha. 

Martha, fittingly, earned an executive producer credit recently for the reboot of the film 'Firestarter,' which is due in 2022. Martha was also a jury member at the Berlin International Film Festival. She graced them with her presence during the 65th year in 2015. A graduate of Ball State University in Indiana, Martha's memorial service shall be conducted in the near future. This service will be small and private due to Covid-19 restictions. Those who personally knew Martha were deeply shaken and shared their condolences online. Fans of the series 'Hannibal' also shared their love for Martha and her contribution to American TV.