Ray Harryhausen dies at 92

Ray Harryhausen, a master of movie special effects whose work was beloved by fantasy film lovers and influenced industry heavyweights such as "Star Wars" creator George Lucas, has died. He was 92.

Follow @PictureBugs

Biographer and longtime friend Tony Dalton confirmed that Harryhausen died Tuesday at London's Hammersmith Hospital.

Dalton said it was too soon to tell the exact cause of death, but described Harryhausen's passing as "very gentle and very quiet."

Harryhausen's films included "The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms," ''Valley of the Gwangi" and "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad."

Though his name was little-known by the general public, many directors borrowed Harryhausen's special effects techniques.

Lucas once said that no other fantasy films had "the same kind of awe" as Harryhausen's movies.