George Armitage, acclaimed director and screenwriter, has died at 82. His niece confirmed to TMZ that he passed away peacefully last Saturday, surrounded by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

Though the cause of death wasn’t revealed, the film world is mourning the loss of a bold storyteller. Armitage was known for mixing crime, dark humor, and emotional depth in his work. “His sharp wit and unconventional storytelling” made his films stand out despite a small filmography.

He’s best remembered for *Grosse Pointe Blank* (1997), where John Cusack played a conflicted hitman at a high school reunion. The movie became a cult favorite thanks to its “blend of sharp humor, emotional depth, and stylized violence.”

Earlier, he directed *Miami Blues* (1990), starring a young Alec Baldwin as a charming but dangerous criminal. The film was praised for its bold tone and helped launch Baldwin’s career.

Although he made few movies, Armitage’s impact on modern dark comedy and crime cinema was significant. As tributes pour in, many remember him as a filmmaker who “always dared to take risks and challenge genre conventions.”