Danny Leiner

Danny Leiner
Leiner in 2011
Born(1961-05-13)May 13, 1961
DiedOctober 18, 2018(2018-10-18) (aged 57)
OccupationsFilm director, producer, screenwriter
Years active1991–2014
Notable workDude, Where's My Car?
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle

Daniel Leiner (May 13, 1961 – October 18, 2018) was an American film and television director. He is best known for directing the stoner comedy films Dude, Where's My Car? and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.

Early life

Leiner was born in Manhattan, New York, in 1961. His parents were Dr. Marvin Leiner, a professor at Queens College, and Anne (Seagall) Leiner, a psychotherapist. He grew up in Brooklyn and Long Island, and attended Purchase College, where he met Edie Falco, who starred in three of his films.[1][2]

Leiner died from lung cancer on October 18, 2018, at the age of 57.[3][4]

Career

Leiner's first box office hit was the stoner film Dude, Where's My Car?, which was panned by critics but achieved cult film status and was widely referenced in pop-culture during the 2000s. His next film, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, is another stoner comedy which was positively received by both critics and moviegoers. It went on to box office success and became the first installment in a film series.

In addition to film, Leiner also directed a wide range of television shows, including Austin Stories, Remember WENN, Felicity, Strangers with Candy, Action, Freaks and Geeks, Party of Five, Sports Night, Gilmore Girls, The Tick, Everwood, The Mind of the Married Man, Arrested Development and How to Make It in America. He worked again with Edie Falco when directing The Sopranos episode "Luxury Lounge", and also directed The Office episode "WUPHF.com".

Filmography

References

  1. ↑ Genzlinger, Neil (October 24, 2018). "Danny Leiner, Director Known for Stoner Films, Is Dead at 57". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Paid Notice: Deaths, LEINER, MARVIN". The New York Times. May 23, 2013.
  3. ↑ Sneider, Jeff (October 19, 2018). "R.I.P. Danny Leiner, Director of 'Harold & Kumar' and 'Dude, Where's My Car?'". Collider. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Danny Leiner, Director of 'Dude, Where's My Car?' and 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,' Dies at 57". The Hollywood Reporter. October 20, 2018.