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Those close to me know that I am one who doesn’t take death well. When someone dies, especially those close to me or a dear friend, I tend to shut off and pretend that it never happened. It is because of this; I usually don’t post articles about the passing of someone but sometimes the person who is no longer with us was a good friend that I must share the news and hope that somewhere they are in a better place.
With that, and with the heaviest of hearts, I must say goodbye to prolific indie action filmmaker Daniel Zirilli who has sadly passed at the age of 58. I read the news on social media but sometimes you just want to wait to make sure and unfortunately, Deadline has brought the news via his family that Daniel has indeed passed away. The cause of death is ongoing, but the article has stated that Zirilli had been missing since April 24th.
Zirilli directed/produced more than 250 music videos, including for such artists as Three 6 Mafia (featuring Katt Williams), Redman, Cypress Hill, Shaq, Scarface, Montel Jordan, Master P, Twista, Chayanne, Freddie Jackson, Roger Troutman Jr., Gerald Levert, Bobby Womack, Bokeem Woodbine, Peter Himmelman, and Flea. He produced music videos for the Russell Simmons film The Show for Def Jam, Michael Nesmith of The Monkees and many other recording artists.
Zirilli is survived by daughter Talise Zirilli; son Calian Zirilli; father Richard Buchta; mother Diane Zirilli Buchta; brother Rick Buchta and sister Kym Rusch. The funeral will be a private ceremony for close family. Per Deadline
Daniel had founded his Popart Film Factory at the young age of 24 and throughout hte years has delivered the finest that indie action cinema had to offer. From such enjoyable flicks like Invincible with Johnny Strong and Marko Zaror, Renegades, Acceleration and most recently The Best Man with Dolph Lundgren and Luke Wilson, Zirilli had a great eye for capturing action on a budget and was one of those rare individuals that knew how to make something with almost nothing. Zirilli also collaborated with fan favorite Luke Goss on the films Hollow Point and Crossing Point as well as The Asian Connection with Steven Seagal.
We tried several times to connect for an interview but sadly life got in the way and it’s a great regret I will live with. Daniels was an awesome supporter of my site and was always willing to share exclusives with me and highlight Action-Flix when it came to one of his films. He would always contact me, and we would message about his movies and other films and for that I will always admire him and call him a true friend even though we never meant in person. I took the liberty of sharing one of my articles about Daniel and his movies and you can see it below.
My heart goes out to Daniel’s family and friends, and you will surely be missed my friend. Indie Action Cinema will never be the same without you.
I am so sad. I was in his world since the mid-1990’s. He was the most incredible friend, and I cannot believe he is gone!!!