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Sherry Lansing

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Full Name
  
Sherry Lee Duhl

Role
  
Actress

Name
  
Sherry Lansing

Years active
  
1968–2008

Occupation
  
Film studio executive


Sherry Lansing Sherry Lansing Celebrities lists

Born
  
July 31, 1944 (age 79) (
1944-07-31
)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Education
  
Spouse
  
William Friedkin (m. 1991), Michael L. Brownstein (m. 1967–1970)

Parents
  
David Duhl, Margot Heimann

Awards
  
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, Glamour Lifetime Achievement Award

Movies
  
Fatal Attraction, Rio Lobo, Indecent Proposal, The Accused, Black Rain

Similar People
  
William Friedkin, Stanley R Jaffe, Laura Ziskin, Adrian Lyne, James Dearden

Viola Davis Receives Sherry Lansing Leadership Award | Women in Entertainment


Sherry Lansing (born July 31, 1944) is an American former actress and film studio executive. She is a former CEO of Paramount Pictures, and when she was the president of production at 20th Century Fox, she was the first woman to head a Hollywood movie studio. In 1996, she became the first woman to be named Pioneer of the Year by the Foundation of the Motion Picture Pioneers, and she was the first female movie studio head to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2005, she became the first female movie studio head to place hand and foot prints at the Grauman's Chinese Theater. In 2001, she was named one of the 30 most powerful women in America by Ladies' Home Journal, and The Hollywood Reporter named her fourth on its Power 100 list in 2003.

Contents

Sherry Lansing When Sherry Lansing Became the First Woman to Head a Major

Sherry lansing first female studio executive plays fishing for answers thr


Personal life

Sherry Lansing wwwsherrylansingfoundationorgimagessherry200x

Lansing was born Sherry Lee Duhl in Chicago, Illinois on July 31, 1944. Her mother, Margaret "Margot" Heimann, fled from Nazi Germany in 1937 at the age of 17. Her father, David Duhl, was a real-estate investor who died when she was nine. Her mother remarried and died in 1984 from ovarian cancer. She was raised in a Jewish household. Lansing attended the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and graduated in 1962. In 1966, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Northwestern University, where she was a member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority.

Sherry Lansing 2014 Laura Ziskin Lifetime Achievement Award Athena Film

Lansing married Academy Award winning director William Friedkin on July 6, 1991; he had previously been married to French film star Jeanne Moreau. By this marriage, Lansing has two stepsons, Jack and Cedric.

Career

Sherry Lansing Sherry Lansing Photos Big Brothers Big Sisters Of

Lansing pursued an acting career (appearing in two films made in 1970, Loving and Rio Lobo, starring John Wayne) but, dissatisfied with her own acting skills, she decided to learn more about the film industry from the ground up. She took a job with MGM as head script reader and worked on two successful films, The China Syndrome and Kramer vs. Kramer.

Lansing's work at MGM eventually led, after a stint at Columbia Pictures, to an appointment in 1980, at age 35, as the first female president of 20th Century Fox. She was also a partner in Jaffe/Lansing Productions with Stanley R. Jaffe. The company released a consistent string of minor hits through Paramount before achieving success with the box-office smash Fatal Attraction in 1987, for which Jaffe and Lansing received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture the following year. In 1992, she was offered the chairmanship of Paramount Pictures' Motion Picture Group. During her tenure at Paramount, the studio enjoyed its longest and most successful string of releases since the '30s. Under Lansing, the studio produced such blockbuster hits as Forrest Gump, Braveheart, and what was, at the time, history's highest-grossing film – Titanic (the latter two with Fox). Six of the ten highest grossing Paramount films were released during her tenure which included three Academy Awards for Best Picture. Overall, 80% of the films released by Lansing were profitable, a track record unmatched by any other long term studio management leader.

As studio chief, she focused on bottom-line cost rather than market share, preferring to take fewer risks and make lower-budget films than other studios. Viacom (which purchased Paramount in 1994) decided to split the company into two parts in 2004 and Lansing stepped down at the end of that year after an almost unprecedented twelve-year tenure atop Hollywood's legendary "Best Show in Town."

She is a Regent of the University of California. She sits on the boards of the American Red Cross, The Carter Center, DonorsChoose, Qualcomm, Teach for America, The American Association for Cancer Research, the Lasker Foundation and Friends of Cancer Research.

In 2005, she created The Sherry Lansing Foundation which is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for cancer research. She is a recipient of UCLA Anderson School of Management's highest honor-the Exemplary Leadership in Management (ELM) Award.

In 2007, she received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her work in cancer research at the 79th Academy Awards. The award was presented to her by Tom Cruise, her longtime friend and business partner.

In 2011, Lansing pledged $5 million to University of Chicago Laboratory Schools to build a new arts wing, including a 250-seat performance venue.

As of March 2013, Lansing was a member of the Board of Directors of the Dole Food Company. Beginning in 2012, she has also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the W. M. Keck Foundation.

Producer

  • Indecent Proposal (1993)
  • School Ties (1992)
  • Black Rain (1989)
  • The Accused (1988)
  • Fatal Attraction (1987)
  • When the Time Comes (1987) (TV)
  • Firstborn (1984)
  • Actress or herself

  • Entertainment Tonight (2008)
  • The Brothers Warner (2008)
  • The Jewish Americans (2008) (TV)
  • The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007) (TV)
  • ... A Father... A Son... Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2005) (TV)
  • Boffo! Tinseltown's Bombs and Blockbusters (2006)Herself
  • Coming Attractions: The History of the Movie Trailer (2006)
  • Black Rain: Making the Film - Part 1 (2006)
  • Black Rain: The Script, the Cast (2006)
  • Black Rain: Making the Film - Part 2 (2006)
  • Black Rain: Post-Production (2006)
  • Sunday Morning Shootout (2004) (TV)
  • The Directors (1999) (TV)
  • Frasier (1996) (TV)
  • Hollywood Women (1993) (TV)
  • Ironside (1971) (TV)
  • Dan August (1971) (TV)
  • Rio Lobo (1970)
  • Loving (1970)
  • The Good Guys (1968) (TV)
  • Awards and recognition

  • 2017: National Women's Hall of Fame Inductee
  • 2008: CSHL Double Helix Medal Honoree
  • 2007, Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, presented by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
  • 2007, Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Pennsylvania State University
  • 2006, American Association of Cancer Research Public Service Award
  • 2006, Business hero, The My Hero Project
  • 2005, Big Brothers Big Sisters (L.A.) Legacy Award
  • 2005, Exemplary Leadership in Management Award presented by UCLA Anderson School of Management
  • 2005, hand and foot prints at Grauman's Chinese Theater
  • 2004, Horatio Alger Humanitarian Award
  • 2003, Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship
  • 2003, Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from the American Film Institute
  • 2002, President's Award, presented by Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films
  • 2000, Milestone Award presented by Producers Guild of America
  • 1996, Overcoming Obstacles Achievement Award for Business, presented by Chicago Women in Film
  • 1996, YWCA Silver Achievement Award
  • 1996, Pioneer of the Year by the Foundation of the Motion Picture Pioneers
  • 1996, Star on the walk of fame, presented by Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • 1994, Outstanding Alumna Award presented by Sigma Delta Tau (ΣΔΤ) Sorority
  • 1994, Razzie for Indecent Proposal, presented by Razzie Awards
  • 1992, Simon Wiesenthal Center Distinguished Service Award for the Performing Arts
  • 1989, Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. Memorial Award
  • 1988, Oscar nomination for Fatal Attraction, presented by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
  • 1982, Distinguished Community Service Award from Brandeis University
  • 1981, Crystal Award, presented by Women in Film for outstanding women who, through their endurance and the excellence of their work, have helped to expand the role of women within the entertainment industry.
  • 1980, Economic Equity Award from the Women's Equity Action League
  • Filmography

    Producer
    2023
    Fatal Attraction (TV Mini Series) (executive producer)
    2012
    Stand Up to Cancer (TV Special) (co-producer)
    2010
    Stand Up to Cancer (TV Special) (co-producer)
    1993
    Indecent Proposal (producer - produced by)
    1992
    School Ties (producer)
    1989
    Black Rain (producer)
    1988
    The Accused (producer)
    1987
    Mistress (TV Movie) (executive producer)
    1987
    Fatal Attraction (producer - produced by)
    1987
    When the Time Comes (TV Movie) (executive producer)
    1984
    Firstborn (executive producer)
    1984
    Racing with the Moon (producer - uncredited)
    Actress
    1996
    Frasier (TV Series) as
    Angela
    - You Can Go Home Again (1996) - Angela (voice)
    1972
    Banyon (TV Series) as
    Doris
    - The Lady Killer (1972) - Doris
    1971
    Ironside (TV Series) as
    Marcia Yeager
    - A Killing at the Track (1971) - Marcia Yeager
    1971
    Dan August (TV Series) as
    Jennifer Britain
    - The Titan (1971) - Jennifer Britain
    1970
    Rio Lobo as
    Amelita
    1970
    Loving as
    Susan
    1969
    The April Fools as
    Party Guest (uncredited)
    1968
    The Good Guys (TV Series) as
    Bridget
    - Pie in the Sky (1968) - Bridget
    1968
    Funny Girl as
    Girlfriend (uncredited)
    Production Manager
    1998
    The Rugrats Movie (executive in charge of production)
    Thanks
    2013
    American Federale (Documentary) (special thanks)
    2013
    Don't Say No Until I Finish Talking: The Story of Richard D. Zanuck (Documentary) (special thanks)
    2008
    Carissa (Documentary short) (special thanks)
    2004
    Racing with the Moon: The Story Goes On (Video short) (special thanks)
    2004
    Racing with the Moon: The Story - The People (Video short) (special thanks)
    2004
    The Making of Racing with the Moon (Video short) (special thanks)
    2004
    Volare (Short) (special thanks)
    2002
    The Kid Stays in the Picture (Documentary) (thanks)
    Self
    2023
    Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein (TV Series) as
    Self
    - The Hollywood Sign (2023) - Self
    2019
    Biography: Farrah Fawcett Forever (TV Series documentary)
    2019
    CBS News Sunday Morning (TV Series) as
    Self
    - Episode #40.91 (2019) - Self
    2018
    This Changes Everything (Documentary) as
    Self
    2018
    Friedkin Uncut (Documentary) as
    Self (uncredited)
    2018
    Imagine (TV Series) as
    Self
    - Mel Brooks: Unwrapped (2018) - Self
    2017
    Extra (TV Series) as
    Self
    - Episode #24.101 (2017) - Self
    2017
    The Fabulous Allan Carr (Documentary) as
    Self
    2017
    Happier with Gretchen Rubin (Podcast Series) as
    Self - Guest
    - Ep. 114: Interview with Hollywood Legend Sherry Lansing (2017) - Self - Guest
    2016
    Et la femme créa Hollywood (TV Movie documentary) as
    Self
    2014
    Makers: Women Who Make America (TV Series documentary) as
    Self
    - Women in Hollywood (2014) - Self
    2014
    Reel Herstory: The Real Story of Reel Women (Documentary) as
    Self - Interviewee
    2014
    Stand Up to Cancer (TV Special) as
    Self
    2013
    Meir's Festival (Documentary short) as
    Self
    2013
    Don't Say No Until I Finish Talking: The Story of Richard D. Zanuck (Documentary) as
    Self - Interviewee
    2012
    CNBC Meets (TV Series documentary) as
    Self
    - CNBC Meets Sherry Lansing (2012) - Self
    2009
    Coming Attractions: The History of the Movie Trailer (Documentary) as
    Self
    2008
    Entertainment Tonight (TV Series) as
    Self
    - Episode dated 28 May 2008 (2008) - Self
    2008
    The Jewish Americans (TV Mini Series documentary) as
    Self
    - The Best of Times, the Worst of Times (2008) - Self
    2007
    The Directors (TV Series documentary) as
    Self - Interviewee
    - The Films of Adrian Lyne (2007) - Self - Interviewee
    2007
    E! True Hollywood Story (TV Series documentary) as
    Self - Former Chairman, Paramount Pictures
    - Nicole Kidman (2007) - Self - Former Chairman, Paramount Pictures
    2007
    The Brothers Warner (TV Movie documentary) as
    Self - former president of Paramount Pictures
    2007
    A Tribute to Peter Bart: Newhouse Mirror Award (Short) as
    Self
    2007
    The 79th Annual Academy Awards (TV Special) as
    Self - Jean Hersholt Award Recipient
    2006
    Black Rain: Making the Film - Part 1 (Video documentary short) as
    Self
    2006
    Black Rain: Making the Film - Part 2 (Video documentary short) as
    Self
    2006
    Black Rain: Post-Production (Video documentary short) as
    Self
    2006
    Black Rain: The Script, the Cast (Video documentary short) as
    Self
    2006
    Boffo! Tinseltown's Bombs and Blockbusters (Documentary) as
    Self
    2005
    ... A Father... A Son... Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (TV Movie documentary) as
    Self
    2004
    Racing with the Moon: The Story Goes On (Video short) as
    Self - Producer
    2004
    Racing with the Moon: The Story - The People (Video short) as
    Self - Producer
    2004
    The Making of Racing with the Moon (Video short) as
    Self - Producer
    2004
    Shootout (TV Series) as
    Self
    - Episode #1.19 (2004) - Self
    2002
    Gala Paramount Pictures Celebrates 90th Anniversary with 90 Stars for 90 Years (TV Special) as
    Self
    2002
    Fatal Attraction: Social Attraction (Video documentary short) as
    Self
    2002
    Forever Fatal: Remembering 'Fatal Attraction' (Video documentary short) as
    Self
    1998
    The 55th Annual Golden Globe Awards (TV Special) as
    Self
    1995
    The 52nd Annual Golden Globe Awards (TV Special) as
    Self - Audience Member
    1993
    Hollywood Women (TV Mini Series documentary) as
    Self
    - Money and Power (1993) - Self
    1991
    The 8th Annual American Cinema Awards (TV Special) as
    Self
    1989
    The 46th Annual Golden Globe Awards (TV Special) as
    Self - Audience Member
    1988
    The Princess Grace Foundation Special Gala Tribute to Cary Grant (TV Special) as
    Self
    1988
    Calling the Shots (Documentary) as
    Self
    1988
    The 60th Annual Academy Awards (TV Special) as
    Self - Nominee
    1988
    Talking Pictures (TV Series documentary) as
    Self
    - Hollywood Now (1988) - Self
    1988
    The 14th Annual People's Choice Awards (TV Special documentary) as
    Self - Accepting Award for Favourite Drama Motion Picture
    1988
    Wogan (TV Series) as
    Self - Guest
    - Episode #8.7 (1988) - Self - Guest
    1981
    AFI Life Achievement Award (TV Series) as
    Self - Audience Member
    - AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Billy Wilder (1986) - Self - Audience Member (uncredited)
    - AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Frank Capra (1982) - Self - Audience Member (uncredited)
    - AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Fred Astaire (1981) - Self - Audience Member (uncredited)
    1984
    Film '72 (TV Series) as
    Self
    - Episode #13.29 (1984) - Self
    1981
    Arena (TV Series documentary) as
    Self
    - 'I Thought I Was Taller' - A Short History of Mel Brooks (1981) - Self
    Archive Footage
    2021
    Music Box (TV Series) as
    Self
    - Mr. Saturday Night (2021) - Self (uncredited)
    2021
    The Movies That Made Us (TV Series documentary) as
    Self - Chairman, Paramount Pictures
    - Forrest Gump (2021) - Self - Chairman, Paramount Pictures
    2017
    Extra (TV Series) as
    Self
    - Episode #24.11 (2017) - Self
    2016
    TruInside (TV Series documentary) as
    Self
    - Election (2016) - Self
    1980
    Dan August: The Trouble with Women (TV Movie) as
    Jennifer Britain

    References

    Sherry Lansing Wikipedia