Former Academy president Walter Mirisch passes away at 101

Hollywood has lost one of its legendary figures as Walter Mirisch, the former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, passed away on Friday at the age of 101. Mirisch, who was known for his innovative approach to filmmaking and his passion for the industry, died due to natural causes in Los Angeles.

Born in New York City in 1921, Mirisch began his career in the movie business in the 1940s as an independent producer. He quickly gained a reputation for his creative approach to filmmaking and his ability to produce quality movies on a tight budget. Over the years, he worked on a number of notable films, including “West Side Story,” “The Magnificent Seven,” and “The Great Escape.”

In addition to his work as a producer, Mirisch was also an influential figure in the film industry as a whole. He served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1973 to 1977 and was instrumental in expanding the Academy’s membership and increasing its outreach to younger filmmakers.

In a statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang paid tribute to Mirisch’s legacy, saying, “Walter was a true visionary, both as a producer and as an industry leader. He had a powerful impact on the film community and his contributions will continue to be felt for generations to come.”

Mirisch’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and admiration from Hollywood’s elite. Many of his colleagues and friends have taken to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to his incredible career.

“He was a giant in the industry, and his contributions to cinema will be remembered for generations to come,” said director Steven Spielberg in a statement. “Walter was a dear friend and mentor to me, and I will miss him greatly.”

Despite his advanced age, Mirisch remained active in the film industry until the end of his life. He continued to attend industry events and was a fixture at the Academy Awards, where he was often seen in the front row, cheering on his fellow filmmakers.

Walter Mirisch’s contributions to the film industry were immeasurable, and his passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood. However, his legacy will live on through the countless movies he produced and the impact he had on the industry as a whole.