Legendary Hollywood producer Zanuck dead at 77

Richard Zanuck, the iconic Hollywood producer, has died following a heart attack at his Beverly Hills home. He was 77 years old.

Zanuck's list of productions is the envy of the industry: 'The Sound of Music', 'Driving Miss Daisy' and 'The Sting' all scooped Best Picture Oscars while 'Jaws' ushered in the blockbuster movement and made Steven Spielberg an overnight sensation.

Born to legendary movie mogul Darryl Zanuck and actress Virginia Fox, he went on to become the youngest studio head in history when he took over 20th Century Fox aged 28.

He quickly took charge of films that were critically acclaimed and big box office winners such as 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'.

While 'The Sound of Music' is a musical milestone, his later attempts at the genre failed and his own father fired him. He bounced back as an independent producer and made his mark later in the 70s with his first Oscar nomination for 1975's 'Jaws'. He was nominated again for the Paul Newman courtroom drama 'The Verdict' and took home the award in 1989 for 'Driving Miss Daisy'. An honourary award from the Academy came in 1991.

"He taught me everything I know about producing," Spielberg said in a statement.

"He was one of the most honourable and loyal men of our profession and he fought tooth and nail for his directors."

One of his last credits was for Tim Burton's 'Dark Shadows'. He had worked with the director on other hits including one of the all-time biggest box office successes, 'Alice in Wonderland'.

Burton said he was "in shock and heartbroken", adding: "He was like family to me - a mentor, friend and father figure".

Richard D Zanuck was born December 13th 1934. He died July 13th 2012. He is survived by his third wife Lili Fini Zanuck who co-produced 'Driving Miss Daisy' and won the Oscar alongside her husband.

Above photo by Alan Light

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