Jamie Blanks, the Australian filmmaker and composer best known for directing the 1998 horror film Urban Legend, has died unexpectedly at his home in Melbourne. He was 54.
Blanks' family confirmed his death on X, stating he passed away suddenly on Monday, 16 March, and noting it was unexpected despite some ill health in recent years. Born and raised in Melbourne, he attended Swinburne Film School and broke into Hollywood with Urban Legend, which grossed $72 million worldwide.
Blanks also directed the 2001 film Valentine and later turned to composing, working on movies including Crawlspace and the 2025 horror What Are You Afraid Of?. His family said he remained active supporting other filmmakers and developing his own projects until his death.
He is survived by his wife Simone, son Oliver, parents, and brothers.
