Legendary film producer and chariman of United Artists, Jerry Weintraub, who was best known for hits like "Ocean's Eleven" and "Karate Kid," has passed away. He was 77.
The mega producer succumbed to cardiac arrest on July 6, Monday, at Santa Barbara Hospital, as told to USA TODAY by his personal publicist Michelle Bega. He is survived by his estranged wife, Jane Morgan Weintraub, and his longtime companion Susan Ekins.
"Barbara and I mourn the passing of our close and wonderfully irrepressible friend, Jerry Weintraub," tweeted the former President George H.W. Bush, who is known to be a close friend of the late producer.
Born and brought up in Brooklyn, Weintraub ventured into show business in 1970 by becoming the personal manager of singer and actor John Denver. He produced his first film with Denver, "Oh, God!" which turned out to be a huge hit. The late producer also convinced the legendary singer, Elvis Presley, to manage his tours, when he was at the peak of his career.
The deal with Presley brought Weintraub huge financial success and established him as one of the most successful concert promoters in the world, following which he formed Weintraub Entertainment Group in 1987 and started producing movies.
With a series of hit flicks like "Nashville," "Diner," "Happy New Year," and "Behind the Candelabra," Weintraub became one of the first independent film producers to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. In addition to producing "Ocean's Eleven," "Ocean's 12" and "Ocean's 13," the late producer also had a cameo appearance in the all the three movies.
The late producer had described his life and career in memoir "When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead," written in collaboration with Rich Cohen. The memoir was later adapted into a HBO documentary, titled "His Way," CNN reported.