Barry Meyer, Chairman CEO, Warner Bros., issued this statement about Valenti's passing: "Today, my heart is truly heavy. I have lost a dear friend and mentor -- someone who not only made a mark in history, but also had a profound impact on my life.
Jack Valenti was a true leader and gentleman whose wit, fire and passion for our business inspired everyone regardless of politics or opinion, background or belief. Jack’s love for his country and the entertainment industry was only overshadowed by his love for his family and the many charitable organizations to which he was devoted. On behalf of all my colleagues at Warner Bros, our heartfelt condolences are with Mary Margaret, his children, grandchildren and the millions and millions of people who were directly or indirectly touched by Jack.
"
Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairmen Michael Lynton and Amy Pascal issued this statement about Valenti's passing: 
"Jack Valenti truly was a Renaissance man -- a gifted orator, a brilliant political strategist, a visionary business leader. He certainly loved the movies and public service, and reached the pinnacle in both arenas.
But most important, he loved life, and lived it to the fullest. Jack was eloquent, indefatigable, passionate and wise. Perhaps a fitting way to describe Jack is to say this man is rated “G” – for Greatness.
We will miss him, and our prayers are with his family."
Walt Disney president and CEO Bob Iger made this statement on Valenti's passing: "Jack was one of a kind. He was not only an incredible champion for the movie industry, but a man of great intelligence, integrity and humor with an uncanny ability to turn great thoughts into great words.
The love he had for his family, his country and the industry was extraordinary. He will be missed by all those who knew him.
Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, said this: "All of us in the motion picture industry owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Jack Valenti and mourn his passing.
For nearly four decades, he faithfully and vigorously protected the rights of the film community, and was the most eloquent spokesperson that Hollywood ever could have hoped for. In addition to his role in creating the film rating system, he sought to protect intellectual properties and ensure that new technologies had the proper and necessary safeguards. Jack was a legendary figure whose wisdom and influence benefited Hollywood and the world.
On a personal note, I considered him a friend and mentor. Our sympathies go out to Mary Margaret and his family."
Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, said: 
Jack leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and will be deeply missed."
Peter Chernin, president and COO of News Corp.: "There will never be another Jack Valenti.
He was known the world over for his keen intelligence, steely confidence and infallible style. But to those of us who knew him well, he will be remembered as a man of enormous passion and humility. A man who genuinely cared about doing the right thing and who never looked away when someone was in need.
Jack was a treasured colleague whom I deeply respected and I will forever miss his warm friendship and wise counsel. On behalf of my colleagues at Fox, our thoughts go out to Jack’s wife Mary Margaret and his entire family."
Ron Meyer, president and COO, Universal Studios: Jack Valenti was an amazing human being and in words alone I can't do justice to his life, his contributions and most importantly his friendship.
His passion, dedication and perseverance as well as his indelible mark on our industry will forever be present. We will miss him greatly, and our hearts go out to his wife, Mary Margaret, and the entire family.
More as they come in.
..Refresh for latest.
Posted by Nikki Finke on Thursday, April 26th, 2007 at 06:20PM |
Why is nothing in show biz as it seems?
The Sopranos-like takeover of Tribune Co. could mean cement shoes for employees
For chrissake, somebody free the frigging show .
. . and the Benjamin Franklins too
Mogul earns scorn, not envy, at Globes
Will the public get off?
Or is it just studio masturbation?
Hollywood stuffs its stockings with Mel-odramas, shame, backstabbing and bloodbaths
Mel’s persecution complex, Russell’s bloody bling and Hollywood’s overpaid divas
Broad, Burkle, Geffen..
. when it comes to the Times, whose briefcase is bigger?
Borat slumps, Dubya dies, Fields goes free and Lansing dishes?
Networks throw mad money, but catch only two beauties
Is Dean of Arc playing a dangerous game with the Times’ integrity?
Where was George Mitchell while Disney sold out 9/11?
From freak shows to freak accidents to freakin’ mayhem, Reality TV goes wild
Cruise And Redstone do battle – prepare for a true epic.
Not just Mel, but sanctimonious Hollywood, too
Jake Gyllenhaal s ride to nowhere?
It’s gonna be a long, hot summer in Hollywood
The creator of Grey’s Anatomy on women, sex and her hit show
How the rebel network sold its soul for bimbos, princesses and bucks
News RSS