It’s been reported that Kim Manners, a prolific, highly imaginative director and producer of TV shows including Supernatural and The X Files, died on Sunday. The cause was cancer. More details here and here.
Manners was among the people who helped Supernatural creator Eric Kripke define the invitingly dark visual palette of Supernatural; he directed numerous episodes of the series, including every season finale–crucial entries in the series that set up cliffhangers which moved the mythology of the series forward.
For The X Files, Manners was credited as a producer for some of that series’ greatest episodes, including the Emmy-winning “Jose Chung’s ‘From Outer Space’” and “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose,” and directed such memorable entries as the creepy-funny “Leonard Betts.”
Manners was a subtle artist working in a commercial medium that doesn’t always prize such qualities. (Manners also directed a number of episodes of the terrific 1993-94 cult series The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.) He was lucky to have found sympathetic creators to collaborate with, such as Kripke and X Files‘ Chris Carter. And they were lucky to work with him.
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Kim Manners was a wonderfully talented man and a loving human being. He will be deeply missed.
Though, I have never watched either show, I must say, how tragic. This is very sad. :’(
It’s still very surreal to me and Kim will always have a place in our hearts. RIP Kim We miss u.
Oh,God…talented man, an important part of my favorite series supernatural … I missed … thanks KIM
You are one of the few great ones in your field, not someone we could afford to lose
Your work will be missed by more than those who knew your name.
Heartbreaking news. Manners had an amazing eye behind the camera and could turn a small television budget into something epic and amazing…just look at eighth season finale or the series finale of “The X-Files” or any episode of “Supernatural” he directed. More than that, though, he seemed like a great human being. I loved listening to his commentary on the DVDs and hearing his insightful interviews. He will be greatly missed.
RIP Kim
He was a phenomenal director.
So sorry to hear that. I have always and will always think of him when I see Detective Manners in the fabulous Jose Chung ep.
His commentaries on the x-files dvd showed him to so sweet and talented man. Gillian and David seemed to really love working with him. What a loss for the sci-fi community.
OMG,this is horrible news! Kim Manners was a genius! I always enjoyed his amazing work on XF and then he really brought “Supernatural” to new places! He desrves much credit just as much as Kripke and Carter. RIP Kim Manners,you will be missed!
Because of his work on The X-Files, Kim Manners, will live in my heart forever. RIP Kim.
This is sad new–he’s directed some of the best X-Files eps! Will watch “Mind’s Eye” and “Dreamland” thsi Friday.
I can’t believe this news. He was a great director and even better person. I was lucky enough to be on sets with him over the years, and I’ll never forget his kindness, generosity and his amazing humor (even after extraordinary long days). We’ve set up a memorial donation system for ALA for fans who are interested over at http://allthings.inspiredbygillian.com
We’ll always miss you Kim! It will not be the same without you! RIP
This news is devastating
I met Kim a number of times on the set and in the editing area – he was the nicest guy, and a quiet genius. X-Philes all over the world are sad tonight 
It was so obvious in hearing his actors speak about him that he commanded incredible respect and his vision on screen for both The X-Files and Supernatural helped establish the tone and mood for both shows. Looking at his list of credits on imdb.com, he put an unmatchable stamp on television. He was an unsung hero who will be missed greatly.
This news is devastating
I met Kim a number of times on the set and in the editing area – he was the nicest guy, and a quiet genius. X-Philes all over the world are sad tonight 
Absolutely devastating news. The man was truly amazing behind the camera. His wisdom and insight unparalleled in shaping a series. And he was an all-around decent human being who treated all his co-workers with respect, from the simple PA, to the stars in front of the camera. His talent will be truly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
i had absolutely no idea he’d taken ill.. what a horrible loss :[ my heart goes out to everyone that did know him <3
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Kim Manners – a talented man who gave so much you’ll be missed by not only those who knew you but those of us out there who knew your work and it gave us so much. You will be sorely missed. Condolences to the cast and crew of Supernatural.
太悲伤了,深切怀念Kim.一路走好啊
I’m shocked to hear the death of Mr. Manners. Although I’ve only ever seen a couple of Supernatural episodes, I’m a huge fan of The X-Files, and Kim Manners directed some brilliant hours of that series.
His first X-isode was the unforgettable “Die Hand Die Verletzt”, which was one of the most intense TV shows ever and a brilliant arrival to the series.
But his masterpieces were the hilarious Darin Morgan-penned “War Of The Coprophages” (which I just watched a few weeks back), and ‘Home”, which is maybe the most famous X-Files episode ever. It was a sick and twisted story of incest and murder, and was even banned from reruns for a while. Its also superb and even witty, and superior to 99% of horror movies (including ripoffs like Wrong Turn) that have since been released.
Kim Manners was an amazingly skilled director, and I’m sad to hear of his passing.
0_0 that’s horrible…
It’s tragic…
I just hope he’ll be in peace…
I worked with him years ago when he was an AD at Spelling. He had such strength, leadership qualities and was so sweet and kind at the same time. Whenever he talked to you, he made you feel taken care of. Our paths never crossed again but hearing this sad, tragic news makes all the wonderful memories of him I have flood back. I can tell from reading what others wrote about him, he held on to all those qualities, in spite of his great success. xxxooo to you Kim
This is an amazing loss. Kim was one of the biggest reasons for the success of The X-Files, he will be sorely missed.
Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose?
Leonard Betts?
The world’s lost someone with a great aesthetic and intelligent direction.
The X-Files would never be the same without Mr. Manners. God bless you.
TV has lost a major talent, and the fans have lost a really great guy. Thoughts are with those who worked with him, friends and family. A huge loss. RIP Kim.
The Supernatural community is devastated. Because Mr. Manners was behind the camera rather than in front of it, he probably didn’t know just how well he was loved by the fans. But we did, we loved his work and held him in high regard, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.
What a sad day! a truly gifted director has left our shores but hopefully to continue his craft in the netherland! God Speed Kim! you will be missed!