Oscar-winning producer and influential motion picture executive Alan Ladd Jr., who ushered in the “Star Wars” era of motion pictures, died Wednesday. He was 84.
“With the heaviest of hearts, we announce that on March 2, 2022, Alan Ladd, Jr. died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on films and filmmaking will live on in his absence,” his daughter Amanda Ladd-Jones, who directed the documentary “Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies,” wrote on the film’s Facebook page.
During his tenure at 20th Century Fox in the late 1970s, Ladd greenlit “Star Wars,” a $10 million sci-fi film that would become the yardstick for blockbuster movies and tentpole film franchises thereafter. He was the son of golden age film star Alan Ladd, best remembered for “Shane,” but in many ways, Ladd Jr. had a more substantial effect on Hollywood than did his famous dad.
“With the heaviest of hearts, we announce that on March 2, 2022, Alan Ladd, Jr. died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on films and filmmaking will live on in his absence,” his daughter Amanda Ladd-Jones, who directed the documentary “Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies,” wrote on the film’s Facebook page.
During his tenure at 20th Century Fox in the late 1970s, Ladd greenlit “Star Wars,” a $10 million sci-fi film that would become the yardstick for blockbuster movies and tentpole film franchises thereafter. He was the son of golden age film star Alan Ladd, best remembered for “Shane,” but in many ways, Ladd Jr. had a more substantial effect on Hollywood than did his famous dad.
- 3/2/2022
- by Richard Natale
- Variety Film + TV
Studio heads tend to move around, but in the last 30 years, several have been closely linked to one brand. To this day, Sherry Lansing is Paramount, Ron Meyer is Universal. And until the announcement Wednesday, Amy Pascal was Sony. But now, the former chairman of Sony Motion Pictures is finally leaving Culver City, after 30 years, to continue building her own identity, at Universal.
Pascal rose through the ranks in Hollywood as what was once termed a “d-girl,” someone who developed scripts. She worked as a production executive alongside old chum Scott Rudin at Twentieth Century Fox before landing at Columbia in 1988, where she developed “Awakenings,” “Groundhog Day,” and “Little Women.” In 1994 she took on President of Production for Turner Pictures, then rejoined Columbia in 1996. Working closely with mentors Gareth Wigan, John Calley and finally, Michael Lynton, Pascal took over the chairman role in 2006.
She was known for promoting women filmmakers,...
Pascal rose through the ranks in Hollywood as what was once termed a “d-girl,” someone who developed scripts. She worked as a production executive alongside old chum Scott Rudin at Twentieth Century Fox before landing at Columbia in 1988, where she developed “Awakenings,” “Groundhog Day,” and “Little Women.” In 1994 she took on President of Production for Turner Pictures, then rejoined Columbia in 1996. Working closely with mentors Gareth Wigan, John Calley and finally, Michael Lynton, Pascal took over the chairman role in 2006.
She was known for promoting women filmmakers,...
- 5/1/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Studio heads tend to move around, but in the last 30 years, several have been closely linked to one brand. To this day, Sherry Lansing is Paramount, Ron Meyer is Universal. And until the announcement Wednesday, Amy Pascal was Sony. But now, the former chairman of Sony Motion Pictures is finally leaving Culver City, after 30 years, to continue building her own identity, at Universal.
Pascal rose through the ranks in Hollywood as what was once termed a “d-girl,” someone who developed scripts. She worked as a production executive alongside old chum Scott Rudin at Twentieth Century Fox before landing at Columbia in 1988, where she developed “Awakenings,” “Groundhog Day,” and “Little Women.” In 1994 she took on President of Production for Turner Pictures, then rejoined Columbia in 1996. Working closely with mentors Gareth Wigan, John Calley and finally, Michael Lynton, Pascal took over the chairman role in 2006.
She was known for promoting women filmmakers,...
Pascal rose through the ranks in Hollywood as what was once termed a “d-girl,” someone who developed scripts. She worked as a production executive alongside old chum Scott Rudin at Twentieth Century Fox before landing at Columbia in 1988, where she developed “Awakenings,” “Groundhog Day,” and “Little Women.” In 1994 she took on President of Production for Turner Pictures, then rejoined Columbia in 1996. Working closely with mentors Gareth Wigan, John Calley and finally, Michael Lynton, Pascal took over the chairman role in 2006.
She was known for promoting women filmmakers,...
- 5/1/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
By Wrap Staff
Sony Pictures will host a memorial for executive Gareth Wigan, who died February 13 after a brief illness.
The memorial will be held at 5 p.m. on March 2 on the Sony Pictures lot.
Those who want to attend should RSVP to (310) 244-4142 by Friday, February 26.
Wigan's spanned four decades and included key roles on the production of everything from the original “Star Wars” to “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” He held top positions at Fox, the Ladd Company and Columbia TriStar.
Sony Pictures will host a memorial for executive Gareth Wigan, who died February 13 after a brief illness.
The memorial will be held at 5 p.m. on March 2 on the Sony Pictures lot.
Those who want to attend should RSVP to (310) 244-4142 by Friday, February 26.
Wigan's spanned four decades and included key roles on the production of everything from the original “Star Wars” to “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” He held top positions at Fox, the Ladd Company and Columbia TriStar.
- 2/23/2010
- by Lisa Horowitz
- The Wrap
London, Feb 15 – Hollywood producer George Lucas remembers British producer Gareth Wigan as a very helpful producer and says he will ‘always be grateful’ for his support.
Wigan died in Los Angeles Saturday after a brief illness. He was 78. Imdb.com reports that he was credited with steering the success of the first ‘Star Wars’ in 1977, after serving as a production executive on the sci-fi movie.
‘Gareth Wigan was one of the most kind and thoughtful.
Wigan died in Los Angeles Saturday after a brief illness. He was 78. Imdb.com reports that he was credited with steering the success of the first ‘Star Wars’ in 1977, after serving as a production executive on the sci-fi movie.
‘Gareth Wigan was one of the most kind and thoughtful.
- 2/15/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
George Lucas and Martin Scorsese have paid tribute to beloved British producer Gareth Wigan, who died on Saturday aged 78.
Wigan was credited with steering the success of the first Star Wars in 1977, after serving as a production executive on the sci-fi movie.
He subsequently worked on other films including All That Jazz in 1979 and Alien in the same year, before he was appointed co-vice chairman of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group in the 1990s.
And his death in Los Angeles after a brief illness has shocked Star Wars creator Lucas, who will "always be grateful" for Wigan's support.
Lucas says, “Gareth Wigan was one of the most kind and thoughtful executives I’ve ever worked with. He was a real supporter of creative talent. I’ll never forget the first time he saw Star Wars. It was just Gareth and Alan Ladd Jr. seeing an early cut of the film. Gareth was so moved that he cried. As a young filmmaker facing a lot of skeptics, his genuine love of the film meant the world to me. He was there for me when I needed him and I’ll always be grateful.”
And Scorsese, who worked with Wigan on 1993 movie The Age Of Innocence, also has fond memories of the producer.
He adds, “I’ve often wished we could have worked on another production as I’ve always had great admiration for Gareth’s intelligence, diplomacy and taste.”
Wigan is survived by his wife, Pat Newcomb, four children and seven grandchildren.
Wigan was credited with steering the success of the first Star Wars in 1977, after serving as a production executive on the sci-fi movie.
He subsequently worked on other films including All That Jazz in 1979 and Alien in the same year, before he was appointed co-vice chairman of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group in the 1990s.
And his death in Los Angeles after a brief illness has shocked Star Wars creator Lucas, who will "always be grateful" for Wigan's support.
Lucas says, “Gareth Wigan was one of the most kind and thoughtful executives I’ve ever worked with. He was a real supporter of creative talent. I’ll never forget the first time he saw Star Wars. It was just Gareth and Alan Ladd Jr. seeing an early cut of the film. Gareth was so moved that he cried. As a young filmmaker facing a lot of skeptics, his genuine love of the film meant the world to me. He was there for me when I needed him and I’ll always be grateful.”
And Scorsese, who worked with Wigan on 1993 movie The Age Of Innocence, also has fond memories of the producer.
He adds, “I’ve often wished we could have worked on another production as I’ve always had great admiration for Gareth’s intelligence, diplomacy and taste.”
Wigan is survived by his wife, Pat Newcomb, four children and seven grandchildren.
- 2/14/2010
- WENN
By Wrap Staff
Longtime Hollywood studio executive Gareth Wigan died Saturday morning after a brief illness. He was 78.
His career spanned four decades and included key roles on the production of everything from the original “Star Wars” to “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” He held top positions at Fox, the Ladd Company and Columbia Tri-Star.
A pioneer in the growth of global cinema, he championed such acclaimed filmmakers such as Ang Lee, Stephen Chow, Zhang Yi...
Longtime Hollywood studio executive Gareth Wigan died Saturday morning after a brief illness. He was 78.
His career spanned four decades and included key roles on the production of everything from the original “Star Wars” to “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” He held top positions at Fox, the Ladd Company and Columbia Tri-Star.
A pioneer in the growth of global cinema, he championed such acclaimed filmmakers such as Ang Lee, Stephen Chow, Zhang Yi...
- 2/14/2010
- by Lew Harris
- The Wrap
Sony announced today that Gareth Wigan, whose legendary half century career in the motion picture industry was integral to some of the most successful films ever made including Star Wars, passed away this morning after a brief illness. He was 78. "Wigan’s distinguished journey as an agent, producer, studio executive and production chief is rich with notable and visionary achievements – from his work as a young production executive on Star Wars to his role as a pioneer in the growth of global cinema by championing such acclaimed filmmakers such as Ang Lee, Stephen Chow, Zhang Yimou, Guy Ritchie, Matthew Vaughn, [...]...
- 2/13/2010
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
Gareth Wigan, widely considered a rare gentleman among studio executives, died at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family on Saturday morning after a brief illness. He was 78.
During the course of his career, the London-born Wigan, lean and courtly, was involved with such movies as "Star Wars," "All that Jazz," "Chariots of Fire" and "Sense and Sensibility," while working at Fox, the Ladd Company and Sony, where most recently he oversaw local-language productions, such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" for the studio.
"Gareth was an inspirational and passionate leader. His love of movies and filmmakers was as rare and unique as the brilliant films he championed over the last four decades," Amy Pascal, Sony Pictures co-chairman said. "He led by example and while he can never be replicated, his influence on our company and our industry will last forever."
Born December 2, 1931, after graduating from Oxord, Wigan began...
During the course of his career, the London-born Wigan, lean and courtly, was involved with such movies as "Star Wars," "All that Jazz," "Chariots of Fire" and "Sense and Sensibility," while working at Fox, the Ladd Company and Sony, where most recently he oversaw local-language productions, such as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" for the studio.
"Gareth was an inspirational and passionate leader. His love of movies and filmmakers was as rare and unique as the brilliant films he championed over the last four decades," Amy Pascal, Sony Pictures co-chairman said. "He led by example and while he can never be replicated, his influence on our company and our industry will last forever."
Born December 2, 1931, after graduating from Oxord, Wigan began...
- 2/13/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The term "Hitchcockian" is thrown around easily these days, reviews tend to use it for anything with a slight phsychological edge or if there is a twist at the end. What they forget is that a "Hitchcockian"film is consisted of much more, so while having a twist isn't harmful, there's a lot more to be done for such a distinction. Unman, Wittering and Zigo is a movie that could easily claim to be Hitchcockian if there were people who actually saw it. It's quite an obscure little feature about a school teacher John Ebony (David Hemmings) who is convinced that his students want to kill him just like they did with their previous teacher. The kids are some of the creepiest scoundrels this side of Village of the Damned and we soon start to feel for Mr. Ebony - unfortunately his collagues are the exact opposite! Michael J. Lewis...
- 1/28/2009
- Daily Film Music Blog
Gareth Wigan, a 21-year vet at Columbia Pictures, is stepping back from his day-to-day role as co-running the studio's international motion pictures production group and taking on the new role of strategic adviser to Sony Pictures Entertainment's international film business.
Wigan said that while he's had a long career, his cutting back does not mean retirement is on the horizon.
"This role will allow me to remain involved in doing what I love, while continuing to add value to the company which has been such a big part of my life," he said.
Wigan joined Columbia in 1987 as a consultant. Along with running the international motion picture production group with president Deborah Schindler, who joined the group last year, Wigan has been vice chair of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group since 1997.
Sony co-chair Amy Pascal lauded Wigan for his work with some of the studio's best films, including Sense and Sensibility, The Remains of the Day and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
"Almost single-handedly, Gareth built up our international film business, making him a real pioneer in our industry," Sony CEO and chair Michael Lynton said.
Wigan said that while he's had a long career, his cutting back does not mean retirement is on the horizon.
"This role will allow me to remain involved in doing what I love, while continuing to add value to the company which has been such a big part of my life," he said.
Wigan joined Columbia in 1987 as a consultant. Along with running the international motion picture production group with president Deborah Schindler, who joined the group last year, Wigan has been vice chair of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group since 1997.
Sony co-chair Amy Pascal lauded Wigan for his work with some of the studio's best films, including Sense and Sensibility, The Remains of the Day and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
"Almost single-handedly, Gareth built up our international film business, making him a real pioneer in our industry," Sony CEO and chair Michael Lynton said.
Gareth Wigan, a 21-year veteran at Columbia Pictures, is stepping back from his day-to-day role co-running the studio's international motion pictures production group and taking on the new role of strategic adviser to Sony Pictures Entertainment's international film business.
Wigan said that though he's had a long career, cutting back does not mean retirement is on the horizon.
"This role will allow me to remain involved in doing what I love, while continuing to add value to the company which has been such a big part of my life," he said.
Wigan joined Columbia in 1987 as a consultant. Along with running the international motion picture production group with president Deborah Schindler, who joined the group last year, Wigan has been vice chair of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group since 1997.
Sony co-chair Amy Pascal lauded Wigan for his work with some of the studio's best films, including "Sense and Sensibility", "The Remains of the Day" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".
"Almost single-handedly, Gareth built up our international film business, making him a real pioneer in our industry," Sony CEO and chair Michael Lynton said.
Wigan said that though he's had a long career, cutting back does not mean retirement is on the horizon.
"This role will allow me to remain involved in doing what I love, while continuing to add value to the company which has been such a big part of my life," he said.
Wigan joined Columbia in 1987 as a consultant. Along with running the international motion picture production group with president Deborah Schindler, who joined the group last year, Wigan has been vice chair of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group since 1997.
Sony co-chair Amy Pascal lauded Wigan for his work with some of the studio's best films, including "Sense and Sensibility", "The Remains of the Day" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".
"Almost single-handedly, Gareth built up our international film business, making him a real pioneer in our industry," Sony CEO and chair Michael Lynton said.
Peter Iacono has been named senior executive vp local-language productions at the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group. Iacono, a 13-year veteran of Sony Pictures Television International, will report to Columbia vice chairman Gareth Wigan and will work with him in overseeing the studio's local-language feature film development and production throughout the world. Sony has been active in local-language film, producing 30 movies so far. It also is moving into new markets Russia and India; Sony recently partnered with Patton Media to produce local-language films in Russia and also announced its first Indian co-production, Saawariya, by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
- 4/11/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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