Jerome Hellman, a renowned Academy Award-winning film producer, was born on September 4, 1928, in the vibrant city of New York. Prior to embarking on his illustrious film producing career, Hellman briefly worked at the Ashley/Steiner Agency before founding his own agency, Jerome Hellman Associates, which represented a diverse range of prominent television figures.
As his agency's success grew, Hellman eventually closed its doors in 1959 to focus on his true passion: film producing. His debut as a producer was the 1964 comedy, The World of Henry Orient, directed by George Roy Hill. This was followed by A Fine Madness in 1966.
In 1969, Hellman took a bold risk by producing the daring and controversial Midnight Cowboy, directed by John Schlesinger. This adaptation of James Leo Herlihy's novel tells the poignant story of two misfits struggling to make a living in the chaos of New York City. The film's exploration of strong sexual themes and the ordinary lives of two low-life characters resonated deeply with audiences, making it a massive hit and defining a generation.
Midnight Cowboy's success was capped off by winning the Best Picture Oscar in 1970, with Hellman being the recipient of this prestigious award. Hellman and Schlesinger collaborated once more on the adaptation of Nataniel West's novel, The Day of the Locust, in 1975. Although this film did not receive the same level of acclaim as Midnight Cowboy, it was still a monumental production by Paramount Pictures.
Hellman's subsequent film, Coming Home, released in 1978, was a thought-provoking exploration of the Vietnam War, starring Jane Fonda and Jon Voight. The film received widespread critical acclaim and won three Oscars, although it lost the Best Picture award. That same year, Hellman made his directorial debut with Promises in the Dark.
In the following decade, Hellman's output slowed, with his only notable production being Peter Weir's The Mosquito Coast in 1986, which received moderate success. Jerome Hellman passed away on May 26, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering film producer who made a lasting impact on the industry.
