STAR TREK and TRANSFORMERS Producer Roberto Orci Passes Away at 51 Years Old
Roberto “Bob” Gaston Orci, the writer and producer behind some of the biggest sci-fi and action-adventure hits of the last two decades, has passed away at the age of 51. Orci died at his Los Angeles home on February 25 after a battle with kidney disease.
Born in Mexico City, Orci moved to the United States when he was 10. He got his start in Hollywood writing and producing for Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, but his career took off when he partnered with Alex Kurtzman.
Together, the duo became one of the most sought-after creative teams in blockbuster filmmaking and television.
Orci co-wrote and produced the 2009 Star Trek reboot and its sequels, as well as Transformers (2007) and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009). His filmography also includes Mission: Impossible III, The Legend of Zorro, Now You See Me, Eagle Eye, The Proposal, The Mummy, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which he also co-wrote.
As far as his TV credits go, he co-created Fringe and Sleepy Hollow, produced Hawaii Five-0, and worked on Alias and Scorpion. Even after parting ways with Kurtzman in 2016, Orci continued to pursue projects, launching Rubber Room Media, a writer-driven production company.
His brother, J.R. Orci, remembered him as “a visionary storyteller with a boundless heart and a beauul.” He added, “But beyond his creative talents, he was a compassionate friend who would put his life on hold to help a stranger and find room in his home for the most overlooked pup at the shelter.”
Orci was open about his struggles with alcoholism and his road to recovery. He is survived by his father, Roberto Orci Sr.; his mother, Macuqui Robau-Garcia; his stepmother, Jeanine Orci; his siblings, J.R. Orci, Taylor Orci, and Courtney Ford; and his dog, Bogey.
At the time of his passing, Orci and his estranged wife, actress Adele Heather Taylor, were in legal disputes, each accusing the other of assault and abuse.
Despite the personal challenges in his later years, Orci’s left behind a strong legacy of entertaining projects that involved spectacle-driven storytelling, and shaping franchises.
Desperately sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. A beautiful, sweet man and outrageously talented. I send my heartfelt condolences to all the many people who loved him.https://t.co/1HFn5VE6UQ
— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) February 26, 2025
Terrible news. Way too young. Enjoyed do much of his work. R.I.P. https://t.co/cCRKdRDgWt
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) February 26, 2025
Roberto Orci had recently signed on direct our western based on the life of Joaquin Murrieta. Would have loved to see what he did with it. RIP to a true talent.
— Trevor Munson (@TREVOROMUNSON) February 26, 2025
Roberto Orci had recently signed on direct our western based on the life of Joaquin Murrieta. Would have loved to see what he did with it. RIP to a true talent.
— Trevor Munson (@TREVOROMUNSON) February 26, 2025