'Star Wars' producer Gary Kurtz dies aged 78

The producer of " Star Wars," Gary Kurtz, has died from cancer at age 78, his family said in a statement on Monday.

"Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and mentor, whose work and talent spanned film-making, photography, music, and cinema history. He was a Marine, a world traveller, an outdoorsman and a kind, compassionate human being," it said.

The producer, born in Los Angeles, became famous through his work with director George Lucas. The pair made their breakthrough with "American Graffiti" in 1973. Kurtz's biggest success was with the first two "Star Wars" movies, also working alongside Lucas.

Lucasfilm remembers Gary Kurtz, producer of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. https://t.co/Ldh8BYlz6p pic.twitter.com/AOGENXgWdY

— Star Wars (@starwars) September 24, 2018

With " A New Hope" in 1977 and " The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980, the pair created an iconic film series that continues to this day.

"A great film-maker and man has just passed. Without him there would have been no 'force.' You will be remembered in the incredible films you made that touched the lives of millions," Peter Mayhew, who played the character Chewbacca, wrote on Twitter on Monday.

After falling out with Lucas, Kurtz left the " Star Wars" franchise. He produced several other successful films, including " The Dark Crystal," " Slipstream" and " The Thief and the Cobbler."

Kurtz, who died in London, leaves behind a wife and his three children. The film producer was married a total of three times.