What was Ellen Burch's role in the film industry?

Ellen Burch was a renowned casting director who worked on numerous hit films, including "Sixteen Candles," "Die Hard," and the "Hunger Games" series.

How did Ellen Burch's family describe her?

Burch's family described her as a "vibrant, charming, funny, special, and incredibly loving" person whose "generous spirit touched so many lives."

What was the cause of Ellen Burch's death?

Burch passed away last month after a 4-month battle with endometrial cancer.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Casting Director Burch Dies After 4-Month Cancer Battle

Casting Director Burch Dies After 4-Month Cancer Battle

13 Oct, 2025

•

Summary

Burch died after a 4-month battle with endometrial cancer
Burch was a frequent collaborator with director John Hughes
Burch cast Bruce Willis as John McClane in the hit film "Die Hard"

Casting Director Burch Dies After 4-Month Cancer Battle

In a tragic turn of events, renowned casting director Ellen Burch has passed away. According to her family, Burch died last month after a 4-month battle with endometrial cancer. She was a highly respected figure in the film industry, known for her work on numerous hit movies over the decades.

Burch began her career in the early 1980s, serving as the casting director for films such as "Psycho II," "Forbidden World," and "Smokey and the Bandit Part 3." She later became a frequent collaborator with acclaimed director John Hughes, overseeing the casting for beloved classics like "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club," and "Weird Science."

One of Burch's most notable achievements was casting Bruce Willis as John McClane in the blockbuster action film "Die Hard" in 1988. The movie went on to gross over $143 million globally and spawned several sequels, with Burch involved in the casting of the 1990 follow-up "Die Hard 2." Throughout the 2010s, she continued to leave her mark, working on the casting for the "Hunger Games" franchise, "Iron Man 3," and "Hidden Figures."