Kim Manners Dies

Kim Manners, the man behind the camera of some of The X-Files best episodes, as well Supernatural, has passed away. The producer/director died in Los Angeles after complications with cancer.

Official statement from Frank Spotnitz:

"Kim had a blazing intensity that inspired everyone -- writers, producers, actors and crew. "Kick it in the ass!" he'd say to us. And "I love you," really meaning it. As long as he'd been a director, he never lost his passion for his work. Every time he got a script, he gave it his all. He was driven to execute what he saw in his mind's eye in the most powerful and beautiful way he could. On "The X-Files," the friendly sparring between Kim and Rob Bowman to see who could out-direct the other was a beautiful competition between two fiercely talented friends. Kim was an incredible force of life. It is hard for me to believe or accept that he is gone."

More recently, Manners lended his dark and inventive style to the CW's Supernatural, helping creator Eric Kripke fine-tune the series' tone, which features the brothers Winchester hunting down various demons.

In a statement from Kripke regarding the passing of his colleague: "Everyone at 'Supernatural' is walking around in a daze, shocked and absolutely devastated. Kim was a brilliant director; more than that, he was a mentor and friend. He was one of the patriarchs of the family, and we miss him desperately. He gave so much to 'Supernatural,' and everything we do on the show, now and forever, is in memory of him."

In addition to working on both X-Files and Supernatural, Manners also directed episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. and Mission: Impossible.

Rest in peace, Kim. Thank you for everything.