Monday, June 13, 2011

RIP Laura Ziskin (1950-2011)

Film producer Laura Ziskin passed away yesterday after waging a battle with cancer says The Hollywood Reporter She was 61 years old. She was a true pioneer of the industry and beyond

She died peacefully at her home surrounded by her husband, screenwriter Alvin Sargent, her family, and her friends




She took her first step into production as an associate producer on the 1978 thriller Eyes of Laura Mars.

Ziskin's career took off when she and business partner Sally Field formed an independent production company, in 1984. Later, she produced "Pretty Woman"  and by 1995 she formed Laura Ziskin Productions, under which she produced Nicole Kidman's  starrer "To Die For."

Ziskin produced "As Good As It Gets," which earned seven Academy Award nominations and Best Actor and Best Actress wins for Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt She also produced the very funny comedy What About Bob? and the great thriller No Way Out

Ziskin and Sargent were instrumental in getting the Spider-Man films made including next year's reboot The Amazing Spider-Man

She also produced the Oscars twice and several TV projects

Beyond her film work Ziskin helped start Stand Up To Cancer after being diagnosed in 2004 with breast cancer--The celebrity infused organization has raised millions for research against the disease

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