Edward Kern Demme (known as Ted Demme; October 26, 1963 - January 13, 2002) was an American movie director and producer. His career began in 1988. His movies included "The Ref" (1994), "Beautiful Girls" (1996), "Life" and "Blow". He died in Santa Monica, California due to a heart attack brought on by cocaine; the director was 38 when it happened.