Los Angeles, July 14 : Veteran Hollywood filmmaker Richard Zanuck has died following a heart attack at his Beverly Hills home.

The 77-year-old died Friday, reports hollywood.com.

Son of Darryl Zanuck, who co-founded 20th Century Fox, Richard Zanuck won three best picture Academy Awards and later fired his son in a studio shake-up.

Richard, also lovingly called Dick, produced movies like Steven Spielberg's first feature film "The Sugarland Express" in 1974 and the director's first blockbuster "Jaws" the next year.

He also championed many of Tim Burton's films, including "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory", "Alice in Wonderland" and most recently "Dark Shadows".

His death was mourned by several notables, including actor Rob Lowe. "Sorry to hear of the passing of a legend and true gentleman, Dick Zanuck."

In a statement to The New York Times, Spielberg said Zanuck "taught me everything I know about producing".

© IANS