“Hercules” and “Xena” Director Josh Becker Dies Suddenly

Filmmaker and television director Josh Becker, known for his work on “Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur” and “Xena: Warrior Princess”, has died suddenly at age 67, his sister Pamela confirmed on social media. The news was shared earlier this week, with family and friends expressing shock and grief over his unexpected passing. Becker’s contributions to genre film and TV spanned decades, from cult classics to beloved ’90s fantasy television.

Sudden Passing Announced by Family

Becker’s sister announced his death on Facebook, saying, “I am in a state of disbelief and profoundly heartbroken to share the loss of my Brother Josh Becker. Literally, NO WORDS.” No official cause of death has been released. The announcement has prompted outpourings of tributes from collaborators and fans alike.

Career Highlights: From ‘Evil Dead’ to TV Fantasy

Originally part of Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead” creative circle, Becker worked behind the scenes on the horror franchise before building his own directing and writing career. He directed and wrote episodes of “Xena: Warrior Princess” and contributed to “Hercules” television movies, including “Hercules in the Maze of the Minotaur”. In addition to TV, his film credits include “Running Time”, “Alien Apocalypse”, “Stan Lee’s Harpies”, and “Morning, Noon & Night”.

Tributes From Friends and Colleagues

Friends took to social media to honor Becker’s memory. In an article with Pop Culture, Tessa Hawkes posted that “The film world has lost one of the greatest producer-directors. Rest in peace, my dear friend,” reflecting the deep impact he had on peers. Bruce Campbell, a longtime collaborator, once praised Becker’s writing as “inflammatory, contrarian and brilliant,” underscoring his unique voice in genre storytelling.

Legacy and Influence

Becker also authored several books and was known for mentoring emerging filmmakers with works like “The Complete Guide to Low-Budget Feature Filmmaking”. His blend of creative ambition and practical craftsmanship left a lasting mark on independent cinema and television fantasy. Fans and colleagues are expected to share further remembrances in the coming days.