John Hughes, director of some of Hollywood's most successful and beloved comedies, died at the age of 59 today.

Hughes reportedly suffered a heart attack while walking in Manhattan to visit family. The Ireland-born director made his directorial debut with the pop-culture hit "Sixteen Candles."

He also directed the cult classics "The Breakfast Club," "Weird Science," and 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off." He also produced major family hits like "Home Alone" and "Beethoven."

Hughes, who also used the alternate name Edmon Dantes, last worked on the story to 2008's Owen Wilson comedy "Drillbit Taylor."