Peter E. Strauss, a veteran movie govt, film producer, and pioneering entrepreneur, handed away on October 6 at his house in Beverly Hills. He was 83. Peter was surrounded by his beloved spouse of 46 years, Susan, and his son, Jonathan.
Over a outstanding five-decade profession, Strauss left an indelible mark on the movie trade. As Government Vice President of Mandalay Pictures for the final 25 years, he oversaw the financing and distribution of quite a few movie and tv tasks, together with The Jacket and Air. He was instrumental within the progress of unbiased cinema, pioneering international gross sales and off-balance-sheet financing for unbiased movies.
In 1998, Strauss was appointed President of Lions Gate Leisure, an organization he helped set up alongside Frank Giustra in 1997, overseeing its U.S. operations. Throughout his tenure, Lionsgate rose to turn into a outstanding power in unbiased movie manufacturing and distribution. Beforehand, Strauss served as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Worldwide Film Group, the place he produced and govt produced over 30 movies, together with the Better of the Greatest sequence, Buster with Phil Collins, and “Cadence” starring Charlie and Martin Sheen.
Strauss started his movie profession at Allied Artists, finally turning into Government Vice President, shepherding movies that included the 1973 Academy Award Greatest Image winner Cabaret, Papillon, and The Man Who Would Be King. He went on to turn into Government Vice President of Rastar Movies, the manufacturing firm of Ray Stark, the place he oversaw the manufacturing of notable tasks similar to The Electrical Horseman and The Villain. Within the Nineteen Eighties, he based Panache Productions, producing titles together with Dance of the Dwarfs and Thunder Run.
Strauss was educated at Oberlin School, the London College of Economics, and Columbia College College of Legislation. He was a member of the Academy of Movement Image Arts and Sciences, and was dedicated to philanthropy and mentorship all through his life, inspiring and supporting younger expertise throughout the trade.
Strauss is survived by his spouse, the previous Susan Rausnitz, his son Jonathan and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Westlake, grandchildren Teddy and Caroline, and lots of devoted buddies and colleagues. A non-public graveside service was held on October 8, and a celebration of his life will probably be introduced at a later date.
