Director John Hughes Dies Of Heart Attack

Director John Hughes, who helmed such legendary ‘80s films as “The Breakfast Club” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” died of a heart attack on Thursday, his rep confirmed to Access Hollywood.

The director was 59.

He suffered the attack while on a morning walk in Manhattan. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, two sons, John and James, and four grandchildren.

With hugely popular films such as “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Weird Science,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” to his credit, Hughes was one of the 1980s’ most successful directors.

Hughes made an icon out of teen queen Molly Ringwald, and also championed the careers of Matthew Broderick, John Cusack and the late John Candy.

He served as writer of each of those films and produced all but “Weird Science,” and also wrote and produced “Pretty In Pink” and later hits such as the “Home Alone” and “Beethoven” franchises.