Peter S. Davis, Highlander Producer, Dies at 79
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter S. Davis, producer of the Highlander feature films and television series.
He helped transform the Christopher Lambert film about immortals into a franchise that included sequels, TV series and video games.
Davis died Sunday in his sleep at his home in Calabasas, his son, Joshua Davis, told The Hollywood Reporter. He was 79.
Without Peter Davis there would be no Highlander.
Without Peter Davis, there would be no Highlander series.
Without Peter Davis, there would be no Highlander merchandise.
Peter was involved in every aspect of Highlander. It was his baby alongside producing partner Bill Panzer. Under the supervision of Davis and his late longtime producing partner, Panzer, the century-hopping tale grew into a franchise that now consists of five features, more than 140 episodes of television, an animated series, a sword business and an iconic Queen soundtrack.
Peter was a giant of a man; both in stature and charisma. He was also a man of mystery; often keeping a low profile underneath his purple-tinted shades. One would rationally assume Peter was a cold or aloof individual from afar. When you engaged him, however, you were instantly disarmed by a warm, gentle man. A man who sincerely felt praise when you told him how much you appreciated his work as a producer; or how you loved opening a box from Davis/Panzer filled with Highlander merchandise.
Peter could be brief-and oftentimes bold-but you always knew you were talking to someone who cared in the moment about what they were doing and your involvement in his world.
In his later years, Peter often reflected on his career in Highlander with much pride and great hindsight. He wished he had been more involved in the creative decisions of the franchise throughout the years and decided to take a more active role in the reimagining of Highlander currently in development with director Chad Stahelski. Chad is someone who always showed Peter great respect through Highlander ’s long journey back to the silver screen and we have no doubt he’ll continue to honor Peter’s memory with this new film.
Peter was also dreaming of giving the fans even more Highlander merchandise in the future.
Davis also produced other features including The Death Collector (1976), starring Joe Pesci in his first credited role; Stunts (1977), starring Robert Forster in an early New Line Cinema film; The Osterman Weekend (1983), director Sam Peckinpah’s final feature; and Cutting Class (1989), featuring a young Brad Pitt.
Highlander will continue. The franchise that Peter Davis and Bill Panzer brought to life is truly immortal. Their dreams for what it could be will come to fruition in their memories.
Tonight, watch something from
Highlander
that you love. Watch a movie or your favorite episode of the series. When you arrive at the credit with Peter’s name on it, raise a glass to him tonight in tribute to all the joy and entertainment he brought you throughout the years.
