John Hughes Dies

John Hughes, the writer-director famous for '80s teen comedies such as "The Breakfast Club" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," died today of a heart attack while visiting family in Manhattan. Apparently Hughes, 59, went into cardiac arrest while taking a walk this morning.

Hughes is credited with elevating the actress Molly Ringwald to teen star status. It is rumored Ringwald's picture was on his refrigerator while he wrote "Sixteen Candles," the movie that turned her into a star. It also lead to starring roles in other John Hughes hits "The Breakfast Club" and "Pretty in Pink."

Hughes graduated high school in Northbrook, Ill., and set many of his films in the Chicago area. During the 1990s Hughes moved away from directing teen movies and focused more on family films such as "Home Alone," which he wrote. He will certainly be remembered for the formula of the quintessential teen movie.