Acclaimed film editor behind ‘Rocky,’ ‘Night at the Museum’ dies at 81
Oscar-nominated editor Don Zimmerman, known for his work on the “Rocky” movies and “Night at the Museum,” died on Thursday, July 24. He was 81.
The American Cinema Editors , which honored Zimmerman with a Career Achievement Award in 2023, confirmed his death in a press release shared on their Instagram story. Zimmerman died of acute myeloid leukemia, Variety reported .
Zimmerman’s career began when he was studying veterinary science and working various jobs in gas stations and insurance during the Vietnam War, Variety wrote. The former editor was introduced to the film world after his friend recommended that Zimmerman try a job in show business as an assistant.
In 1969, Zimmerman began as an apprentice editor in music and sound effects on projects like “The Godfather,” “Little Big Man,” The Hawaiians" and more.
He then went on to become a picture assistant editor for director Hal Ashby, collaborating on films such as “Harold and Maude,” “Shampoo,” “The Landlord” and “Being There.” Zimmerman‘s work on Ashby’s film “Coming Home” earned him an Oscar nomination. The film was also nominated for Best Picture, according to the press release.
Throughout his career, Zimmerman worked with many acclaimed directors, editing movies like Tom Shadyac’s “ACE Ventura: Pet Detective,” Dean Parisot’s “Galaxy Quest,” Shawn Levy’s “Night at the Museum,” Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky III” and “Rocky IV” and Barry Sonnenfeld’s “Men in Black 3.”
He also edited Barbra Streisand’s 1991 drama “The Prince of Tides,” which earned seven Oscar nominations including Best Picture.
Zimmerman’s children followed in his footsteps: Dan and Dean are both ACE member editors; Debi is a costume designer; Dana works in post-production; and David, who assisted Don for many years, is the current vice president of the streaming platform Evercast.
“Rest in peace Don Zimmerman, ACE ...,” the press release reads. “... He will be greatly missed.”
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