An outpouring of love and support from Hollywood followed the announcement that former Paramount chief Brad Grey died on Sunday of cancer at age 59.
In addition to running Paramount for a dozen years, Grey notably co-founded the Brillstein-Grey Entertainment agency and co-founded Plan B. Some of the blockbuster hits produced at Paramount under Grey’s leadership included “Transformers,” the Paranormal Activity, and Iron Man franchises, and “Star Trek.” Many awards season favorites also fall under his name, like “There Will Be Blood,” and “No Country for Old Men.” Prior to his work at Paramount, Grey produced “The Sopranos” and “The Wayne Brady Show,” among many others.
Jim Gianopulos, the current chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, released the following statement:
“All of us at Paramount are deeply saddened by the news of Brad Grey‘s passing. He was at the helm of the studio for over a decade and was responsible for so many of it’s most beloved films. We extend our deepest sympathies to Cassandra, Max, Sam, Emily and Jules Grey, along with Brad’s mother, brother and sister.”
He added, “I was proud to call Brad a friend, and one I greatly admired. He will be missed by us all, and left his mark on our industry and in our hearts.”
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Brillstein Entertainment Partners released a statement on behalf of the company: “Brad was a unique force in our business and a self-made man. Brad helped forge a new paradigm in representing artists, and worked to reinvent how a management company can serve its clients. Our hearts go out to his family, whom he loved dearly. As a company, we are indebted to his legacy.”
Martin Scorsese remembered Grey as “a true friend, and he genuinely loved movies. Our professional relationship started with ‘The Departed,’ which he basically shepherded into existence—sadly, he is uncredited as a producer on that picture, but that’s the title he deserved. He and I worked together on every picture I made since — all the way through ‘Silence,’ and he was always extremely protective of the creative process, very careful to keep it separate from all infighting and financial entanglements—in other words, the business. Like so many of Brad’s friends, I’m in a state of shock.”
Shari and Sumner Redstone commented, “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our friend, Brad Grey, whose tremendous kindness and talent inspired so many of us in the entertainment industry. His vision and leadership at Paramount Pictures brought iconic films and programs to audiences around the world. We are so grateful for Brad’s friendship and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Cassandra, and their family.”
Viacom’s Bob Bakish wrote, “Brad Grey was an extraordinary talent with a passion and gift for storytelling that won’t be forgotten. He has left an incredible legacy at Paramount and across the entire entertainment industry, from the beloved hit franchises he developed for both film and television, to the countless individuals he mentored and supported throughout his career. All of us at Viacom and Paramount mourn his passing, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Bob Weinstein wrote, “I knew Brad for over 40 years. He started out as me and my brother’s assistant and within 6 months it was clear that we should be working for him and not the other way around. He was destined for great things in this business, but more importantly on a personal level, I knew him as a family man and nothing was more important to him than that. My condolences to his family and he will be missed.”
UTA chairman Jim Berkus said, “Brad Grey was a colleague, collaborator and, most importantly, a great friend. As a talent executive, he fought for his clients and helped stretch the boundaries of tradition to enable his clients to do great things. As a studio executive, he was committed to making movies that would stand the test of time. He created a legacy in our industry that will have a lasting impact. All of UTA mourns his loss, and we will miss him greatly.”
MPAA Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd released a statement as well: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brad Grey, a colleague and friend. As a producer and industry leader, Brad brought great storytelling to audiences around the world, and his contributions to the creative community will be enjoyed for years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” he wrote.
My statement on the passing of my colleague & friend, Brad Grey: pic.twitter.com/Q4mVR5A1Bj
— Chris Dodd (@SenChrisDodd) May 15, 2017
Disney’s Bob Iger wrote, “I was stunned and saddened to learn of Brad Grey’s passing. He was a dear friend, a respected colleague, and a great guy. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. My thoughts are with his wife Cassandra, his children, and his entire family.”
Gary Barber, MGM’s Chairman and CEO, wrote, “I am deeply devastated by the untimely passing of Brad. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
A statement released on behalf of HBO reads, “All of us at HBO are heartsick to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend Brad Grey. From his early days as a founding partner of Brillstein-Grey, he brought many great comedic artists to HBO, and of course one of TV’s most iconic shows, The Sopranos, for which he served as Executive Producer. More importantly he was a friend, supporter, and cheerleader for all of us for many years. We will miss him very much. Our heart goes out to his entire family.”
Read below for more tributes to Brad Grey from members of the Hollywood community:
“Before SELMA was released, he invited me to dinner. Fab stories. Good laughs. And shrewd advice that I still use. May his soul be at rest,” Ava DuVernay recalled.
Before SELMA was released, he invited me to dinner. Fab stories. Good laughs. And shrewd advice that I still use. May his soul be at rest 🙏🏾 https://t.co/JY98Sja2Pr
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) May 15, 2017
“Brad Grey. My manager, my producer, my friend. R.I.P,” Alan Zweibel tweeted.
Brad Grey. My manager, my producer, my friend. R.I.P.
— Alan Zweibel (@AlanZweibel) May 15, 2017
John Chu wrote, “Shocked & saddened by the loss of Brad Grey. He was a really good man. Kind & classy and a helluva boss. Oh man the world has lost a gentleman.”
Shocked &saddened by the loss of Brad Grey. He was a really good man. Kind &classy and a helluva boss. Oh man the world has lost a gentleman
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) May 15, 2017
“So sad to hear about the passing of Brad Grey. He was a thoughtful partner on Just Shoot Me and remained a friend. Sending ❤️ to his family,” Steve Levitan penned.
So sad to hear about the passing of Brad Grey. He was a thoughtful partner on Just Shoot Me and remained a friend. Sending ❤️ to his family.
— Steve Levitan (@SteveLevitan) May 15, 2017
“Rest In Peace, Brad Grey. He was always good to me, in the small passing moments we had. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones,” James Gunn wrote.
Rest In Peace, Brad Grey. He was always good to me, in the small passing moments we had. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 15, 2017
“So shocked to hear of the passing of Brad Grey,” Roma Downey wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family that they may be strengthened and comforted.”
So shocked to hear of the passing of Brad Grey . Our thoughts and prayers are with his family that they may be strengthened and comforted .
— Roma Downey (@RealRomaDowney) May 15, 2017
“Brad Grey. RIP. A total gentleman who never forgot a face. I hadn’t seen him in a number of years & it was like we just spoke yesterday,” Joe Carnahan penned.
https://twitter.com/carnojoe/status/864148434181214209
“#powersboothe and #bradgrey – very sad two days in Tinseltown. RIP to both greats,” Josh Gad tweeted.
#powersboothe and #bradgrey – very sad two days in Tinseltown. RIP to both greats
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) May 15, 2017
“Wow, Brad Grey,” wrote Justin Marks, “That’s so crazy young I don’t even know how to think about it.”
