Cass Warner, born Debora Cassie Sperling, was a pioneering American filmmaker, belonging to the esteemed Warner family, whose legacy in the film industry dates back to the founders of Warner Bros. studio. As the daughter of Milton Sperling, an award-winning writer and producer, and Betty Warner Sperling, Cass Warner was immersed in the world of filmmaking from a young age.
Growing up on the Warner Bros. lot, Cass Warner would often attend story meetings with her father and wander the studio, observing the magic of movie making. She honed her skills in acting with renowned instructor Milton Katselas and learned screenwriting under the guidance of her father and Howard Koch, the renowned writer and producer of Casablanca fame.
Warner's production company, Warner Sisters, was born from her passion for filmmaking, and she continued the Warner Bros. tradition of creating films that "educate, entertain, and enlighten." Her company developed a slate of projects, including Howard Koch's unproduced screenplays, plays, short stories, and novels.
Cass Warner's remarkable career spanned several decades, during which she wrote, produced, and directed numerous films and documentaries. One of her most notable projects was the documentary HOPPER: In His Own Words (2012),which showcased the life and career of Dennis Hopper.
In 2008, Warner completed the feature documentary The Brothers Warner (2007),which explored the lives and legacy of the four Warner brothers who founded Warner Bros. studio. The film was narrated, directed, written, and produced by Warner herself and aired on the PBS American Masters series for two years.
Throughout her career, Warner received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious HBO Films Producer Award and an Emmy nomination for her work as a director in 2009. Her most recent project was a series of inspirational interviews with notable figures, including Matthew McConaughey, Chick Corea, and her own son, actor Cole Hauser.
Cass Warner passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking work in the film industry. She is survived by her husband, Glenn Allan Pool; her daughters, Vanessa Pool Mooney and Tao Haber Gaines; her sons, Cole Hauser and Jesse Pool; and three grandchildren.
