David Ladd's illustrious career in Hollywood has spanned over four decades, commencing during his childhood when he appeared in several films alongside his father, the renowned actor Alan Ladd, and his mother, actress Sue Carol. Since his initial role, he has evolved into a teenage film star, a senior production executive at MGM, and a producer of numerous studio films. David earned a degree in business administration from the prestigious University of Southern California (USC).
He began his career in production by working for ABC Television, producing movies and variety specials. He later transitioned to Columbia as a creative executive, before partnering with the renowned producer John Veitch. Ladd's first solo producing credit on a motion picture was the Wes Craven thriller, The Serpent and the Rainbow, released in 1988. Under his production banner, David Ladd Films, he produced the critically-acclaimed World War II courtroom drama, Hart's War, starring Bruce Willis, Colin Farrell, and Terrence Howard, as well as the comedy A Guy Thing, directed by Chris Koch and starring Jason Lee and Julia Stiles.
Prior to establishing his own production company, Ladd served as Executive Vice-President of production for MGM, a position he held for nine years. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the studio's resurgence, overseeing the development and production of numerous films, including the critically-acclaimed Get Shorty, starring John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, and Danny DeVito; the courtroom thriller Red Corner, starring Richard Gere; Mulholland Falls; The Cutting Edge; and Untamed Heart, among others.
