'Still Alice' Writer and Director Richard Glatzer Dies at Age 63 - Closer Weekly

Richard Glatzer, the writer and director of the critically acclaimed film Still Alice, lost his battle to ALS on Tuesday, March 10, his publicist confirmed. He was 63-years-old.

Richard died less than three weeks after Julianne Moore won the Best Actress in a Leading Role Oscar for her performance in ‘Still Alice.’ In the movie, the actress portrayed titular character Alice Howland, a professor and mother-of-three who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Richard with his partner, Wash, and ‘Still Alice’ stars Julianne Moore and Kristen Stewart at a screening of the movie in November 2014.

Two days prior to the Academy Awards ceremony, Richard — who co-directed the film with his husband, Wash Westmoreland — was reportedly taken by ambulance to an LA hospital to be treated for severe respiratory problems.

Shortly before the couple began adapting Lisa Genova’s novel ‘Still Alice’ into a movie, Richard was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Though his health rapidly deteriorated following his diagnosis, the director reportedly never missed a day of filming with stars Julianne, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart and Kate Bosworth.

Julianne as Alice Howland in ‘Still Alice.’

“I am devastated,” Wash said of his husband’s death in a statement on Tuesday. “Rich was my soulmate, my collaborator, my best friend and my life. Seeing him battle ALS for four years with such grace and courage inspired me and all who knew him.”

Our thoughts are with Richard’s friends and family during this difficult time.

‘The Associated Press‘ first broke this news.