RIP Jerry Weintraub

Renowned producer Jerry Weintraub passed away at the age of 77 on Monday. According to Michelle Bega, Jerry’s personal publicist, the cause of death was cardiac arrest. Jerry was known for producing ‘Karate Kid’ movies and the Ocean’s series. He was a very successful member of the industry for over 50 years. Before his famous career in motion picture production, he promoted concerts and supported some of the best artists including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton and John Denver, among others.

Jerry was responsible for the movie Nashville which was nominated for five Oscar’s including one for best picture. In 2014, he produced a documentary on climate change titled, ‘Years of Living Dangerously’. He was elected chairman and CEO of United Artists, a post he stayed at for five months. He was fired by owner Kirk Kerkorian, after which he started his own company, ‘Weintraub Entertainment Group’.

Director Douglas McGrath made an HBO documentary on the life of Jerry Weintraub in 2011 called ‘His Way’. Jerry leaves behind his wife Jane and his long-time companion Susan Ekins. He has four children, Michael, Julie, Jamie and Jodie, along with five grandchildren.