Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
Entertainment
Asharq Al-Awsat

'Some Like It Hot' Producer Walter Mirisch Dies Aged 101

Walter Mirisch, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, at the organization's headquarters in Beverly Hills on September 16, 1975. (AP Photo/George Brich)

Oscar-winner Walter Mirisch, who produced Hollywood classics such as "West Side Story," "Some Like It Hot" and "The Pink Panther," has died at age 101 of natural causes, the Academy said Sunday.

Mirisch, whose career spanned six decades and who was also a former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, died on Friday in Los Angeles, the organization said in a statement.

The Academy was "deeply saddened to hear of Walter's passing," said chief executive Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang in the statement, hailing him as a "true visionary."

"He had a powerful impact on the film community and the Academy.... His passion for filmmaking and the Academy never wavered, and he remained a dear friend and advisor," they added.

Mirisch, who was born in New York City on November 8, 1921, was honored by the Academy three times: with a Best Picture Oscar for 1967's "In the Heat of the Night," the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for his "consistently high quality of motion picture production," and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

The Academy called him "one of the most prolific producers in Hollywood history."

The Mirisch Company, formed in 1957 with his brothers Harold and Marvin, produced enduring classics including "Some Like It Hot" (1959), "The Magnificent Seven" (1960), "West Side Story" (1961), "The Great Escape" (1963), "The Pink Panther" (1963) and "The Thomas Crown Affair" (1968).

His wife Patricia passed away in 2005, and he is survived by his three children, one grandchild, and two great-grandsons.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.