UPDATE: Hollywood Remembers Tom Sherak
Hollywood is honoring the life and legacy of former Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak, who died today at 68. Here is a sampling of the reactions:
Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Academy President:
“In the more than 30 years I’ve known Tom, his passionate support of and excitement about the motion picture business, the Academy, his family and friends never wavered. He was truly larger than life, and he will be missed.”
Dawn Hudson, Academy CEO:
“He was my mentor and my friend. I learned from him, I laughed with him, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the time we shared together. He had a huge influence on the direction of our Academy and on me personally. I will miss laughing with him most of all.”
Related: Tom Sherak: “It’s About Love”
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti:
“I am devastated to learn of the passing of my close friend and advisor Tom Sherak. Tom was a true Hollywood original, moving up the ladder to promote blockbusters, running the Oscars and having a bulging rolodex filled with not just A-list contacts, but so many close friends who were smitten by his humor, drive, and spirit. In just a few short months, Tom laid a policy foundation that my Administration will stand on for the next four years. Tom’s work will continue through my office and the many charities to which he devoted so much of himself. Tom was a public servant in the truest sense long before he joined my administration. He will be deeply missed.”
Jim Gianopulos, Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox Film
“Tom Sherak was a beloved friend and colleague and a part of the Fox family for decades. He was integral to the life and vitality of this studio during his time with us, and he left an indelible mark here. As his friend, I will always remember his big smile, and he made you happy just to be around him. We are incredibly saddened by his passing but know that his personal and professional legacy will remain with us forever. All of us at Fox send our heartfelt condolences to Madeleine and their children and grandchildren. He will be missed but never forgotten.”
Related: Tom Sherak: Remembering A True Hollywood Star
Tom Rothman, Chairman of TriStar Pictures:
“Original is an overused word, but Tom deserves it in all caps. I worked side by side with him for many years and never knew anyone, before or since, with his level of loyalty, optimism, positivity, and giving spirit. He was all heart. Everyone knew him; everyone loved him ; everyone will mourn his loss. God knows I do. Rest in Peace my friend.”
Alan Horn, Chairman of the Walt Disney Studios:
“Tom Sherak was a true champion of our industry, from his days as a studio executive through his Academy tenure and beyond. My family and I are deeply saddened at his passing and will miss both his professional dedication and, more importantly, his friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family today.”
Hawk Koch, President of the Producers Guild of America and former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences:
“Tom was an incredible man who had a zeal for life unlike anyone I’ve ever known. He was a real advocate for our industry and his sheer determination to move the Academy forward was paramount and has had a profound effect on all of us. I’m deeply saddened by this news and my heart goes out to Madeleine and his entire family.”
Related: Weinstein Company Braintrust On How Tom Sherak’s Mentorship Launched Miramax
Anne Sweeney, Co-Chair of Disney Media Networks and President of Disney-ABC Television Group:
“Tom saw the beautiful story in life and celebrated it with everyone around him. He was a loyal friend who never stopped loving his Brooklyn Dodgers and all of us.”
Sen. Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the MPAA
“The film industry has lost one of its greatest advocates this evening with the passing of Tom Sherak. Tom was a true Hollywood veteran, having started his career at Paramount Pictures in 1970 and heading the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as President for three terms. He dedicated his life to the movies, helping to share some of our greatest stories with the world. Tom’s loss will be felt by the entire entertainment industry, and I send my thoughts and prayers to his family at this difficult time.”
Michael De Luca, Producer/incoming President of Production at Columbia Pictures (via Twitter):
“Film has lost one of its biggest champions! wonderful man, mentor! and human being.”
Gary Barber, Chairman and CEO of MGM
“Tom was the epitome of a mensch. He was loved by one and all, and I was proud and honored to share so many memorable moments together. My heart goes out to Madeleine and the family. RIP my dear friend.”
Related: Tom Sherak’s Multiple Sclerosis Charity Renamed In His Honor
Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of News Corp:
“Tom was a great contributor to the growth of Fox as well as a close personal friend.”
Ken Howard, President of SAG-AFTRA
“Tom was a champion of our industry, and all those who knew him or had the privilege to work with him can attest to his integrity, drive and leadership. On behalf of all SAG-AFTRA members, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Sherak family.”
James Cameron, Filmmaker:
“Tom was a mentor to me and a good friend for almost three decades. He embodied the heart and soul of movies — entertainment and showmanship — timeless values in our business. There was always a sparkle in his eye when it was time to release a film, and you knew that it was going to be a grand adventure playing out on a global stage. I will miss his spirit, his sense of fun, his love of cinema — but most of all, his friendship.”
Paul Audley, President of FilmL.A.
“It’s with great sadness that we mourn the passing of film industry veteran Tom Sherak. Tom was a true gentleman and a respected leader, and he was tireless in his support of California’s heritage film industry and the working men and women who sustain it. Our hearts go out to Tom’s family, friends and associates.”
Related: Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh On Tom Sherak
Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity, and Tucker Tooley, President of Relativity:
“Tom Sherak was a true visionary and a leader to us all. We are honored to be able to call him a mentor and a friend. It is remarkable and a true testament to his character that his philanthropic accomplishments were somehow even more impressive than his groundbreaking career. We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to have learned from him, and we join the entire industry in mourning this tragic loss.”
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