Jerry Weintraub (1937–2015)
- Jul 5, 2015
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 4
OBITUARY
Jerry Weintraub was a legendary American film producer, talent manager, and entertainment executive whose name became synonymous with show business success and bold Hollywood storytelling. Best known for producing the Ocean's Eleven trilogy, The Karate Kid films, and Diner, Weintraub’s impact extended across film, music, and television. He died on July 6, 2015, at the age of 77.
A natural dealmaker and showman, Weintraub started his career as a music promoter, managing and touring with the likes of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and John Denver. He eventually transitioned into film production, where his instincts for popular entertainment led to some of the most successful movies of the 1980s and 2000s.
EARLY LIFE
Jerome Charles Weintraub was born on September 26, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in the Bronx. From an early age, he demonstrated a knack for business and charisma, later serving in the Air Force before diving into the entertainment world.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Weintraub first made his mark in the music industry, producing massive tours for major stars. He then moved into motion pictures with the 1975 hit Nashville, directed by Robert Altman. His production company, Weintraub Entertainment Group, became a force in Hollywood, backing iconic franchises including The Karate Kid series.
His career was revitalized in the 2000s when he produced Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean's Eleven and its sequels, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The films were critical and commercial hits, showcasing Weintraub’s enduring taste for star-powered entertainment.
PERSONAL LIFE
Weintraub was married to singer Jane Morgan, and although the couple separated, they remained legally married. He had several children and was known for his larger-than-life personality, Hollywood parties, and deep connections across the entertainment industry.
FINAL YEARS
In his final years, Weintraub remained active in the industry, including work on HBO’s Behind the Candelabra, which won multiple Emmy Awards. He also published a bestselling memoir, When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead, reflecting on his storied life in show business.
Weintraub passed away in Santa Barbara, California, leaving behind a legacy of blockbuster entertainment, unforgettable collaborations, and a reputation as one of Hollywood’s last great moguls.
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