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| {{Short description|American film producer and co-founder of Paramount Pictures}} | {{Short description|American film producer and co-founder of Paramount Pictures (1880–1958)}} | ||
| {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}} | {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}} | ||
| {{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
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| |image= Jesse-lasky-1915.jpg | |image= Jesse-lasky-1915.jpg | ||
| |image_size = | |image_size = | ||
| |caption= Lasky in 1915 |
|caption= Lasky in 1915 | ||
| |birth_date= {{birth date|1880|9|13|mf=yes}} | |birth_date= {{birth date|1880|9|13|mf=yes}} | ||
| |birth_place= ], U.S. | |birth_place= ], ], U.S. | ||
| |death_date= {{death date and age|1958|1|13|1880|9|13|mf=yes}} | |death_date= {{death date and age|1958|1|13|1880|9|13|mf=yes}} | ||
| |death_place= ], U.S. | |death_place= ], U.S. | ||
| |resting_place= ] | |resting_place= ] | ||
| |occupation= Film producer | |occupation= Film producer | ||
| |spouse= Bessie Mona Ginsberg | |||
| |children= ] ] |
|children= 3, including ] and ] | ||
| |relatives= ] (former brother-in-law), ] (cousin) | |relatives= ] (former brother-in-law), ] (cousin) | ||
| |signature = Signature of Jesse Louis Lasky.png | |signature = Signature of Jesse Louis Lasky.png | ||
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| ]", where he and Cecil B. DeMille started a picture studio in 1913.]] | ]", where he and Cecil B. DeMille started a picture studio in 1913.]] | ||
| Born in to a ] family<ref>{{cite book |last=Cones |first=John |title=Motion Picture Biographies: The Hollywood Spin on Historical Figures |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I0byBwAAQBAJ&q=lasky |date=April 2015 |page=6 |isbn=9781628941166}}</ref> in ], |
Born in to a ] family<ref>{{cite book |last=Cones |first=John |title=Motion Picture Biographies: The Hollywood Spin on Historical Figures |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I0byBwAAQBAJ&q=lasky |date=April 2015 |page=6 |publisher=Algora |isbn=9781628941166}}</ref> in ], Lasky worked at a variety of jobs but began his entertainment career as a ] performer, playing the cornet in a duo act with his sister Blanche.<ref name=katz>{{cite book | last = Katz | first = Ephraim| authorlink=Ephraim Katz |author2=Fred Klein |author3=Ronald Dean Nolan | title = The Macmillan International Film Encyclopedia | publisher = Macmillan | location = New York | year = 1998 | isbn = 0-333-74037-8 |oclc=39216574 |edition=3rd |page=795}}</ref> | ||
| ==Career== | ==Career== | ||
| In 1911, Lasky was the producer of two Broadway musicals: ''Hello, Paris'' and ''A La Broadway''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jesse L. Lasky – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/jesse-l-lasky-22548 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> ] was also producing plays on Broadway and she introduced him to her son ].<ref name="beat">{{cite web |title=Beatrice deMille – Women Film Pioneers Project |url=https://wfpp.cdrs.columbia.edu/pioneer/ccp-beatrice-demille/ |website=wfpp.cdrs.columbia.edu |access-date=2018-01-16}}</ref> | In 1911, Lasky was the producer of two Broadway musicals: ''Hello, Paris'' and ''A La Broadway''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jesse L. Lasky – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/jesse-l-lasky-22548 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> ] was also producing plays on Broadway and she introduced him to her son ].<ref name="beat">{{cite web |title=Beatrice deMille – Women Film Pioneers Project |url=https://wfpp.cdrs.columbia.edu/pioneer/ccp-beatrice-demille/ |website=wfpp.cdrs.columbia.edu |access-date=2018-01-16 |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115173404/https://wfpp.cdrs.columbia.edu/pioneer/ccp-beatrice-demille/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
| ===Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company=== | ===Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company=== | ||
| In 1913 Lasky and his sister Blanche's husband, ], teamed with DeMille and ] to form the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company, with Lasky as president.<ref name=katz/> With limited funds, they rented a barn near Los Angeles where they made Hollywood's first ], DeMille's '']'', which was a success. Known today as the ], it is home to the ]. | In 1913 Lasky and his sister Blanche's husband, Samuel Goldfish (before changing his name to ]), teamed with DeMille and ] to form the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company, with Lasky as president.<ref name=katz/> With limited funds, they rented a barn near Los Angeles where they made Hollywood's first ], DeMille's '']'', which was a success. Known today as the ], it is home to the ]. | ||
| Other films produced by the studio include the original version of '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' (all 1914), '']'', '']'', '']'' (all 1915), '']'' (1916) and '']'' (1917). | Other films produced by the studio include the original version of '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' (all 1914), '']'', '']'', '']'' (all 1915), '']'' (1916) and '']'' (1917). | ||
| ===Famous |
===Famous Players–Lasky=== | ||
| In 1916, Lasky's company merged with ]'s rival company ] to create ], with Zukor as president and Lasky as vice-president in charge of production.<ref name=varobit/><ref name=katz/> In 1920, Famous |
In 1916, Lasky's company merged with ]'s rival company ] to create ], with Zukor as president and Lasky as vice-president in charge of production.<ref name=varobit/><ref name=katz/> In 1920, Famous Players–Lasky built a large studio facility in ], now known as the ]. Films produced by Lasky include '']'' (1921), '']'' (1923), '']'' (1925), '']'' (1926), '']'' (1927).<ref name=varobit/> In September 1927, Famous Players–Lasky was reorganized under the name Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation, later becoming the ] Corporation.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.silentera.com/PSFL/companies/F/famousPlayersLaskyCorp.html| title=Famous Players–Lasky Corporation| publisher= SilentEra.com| access-date=2009-04-16}}</ref> | ||
| In 1927, Lasky was one of the 36 people who founded the ]. His ''Wings'' was the first film to win the ]. | In 1927, Lasky was one of the 36 people who founded the ]. His ''Wings'' was the first film to win the ]. | ||
| Financial problems arose within the industry as a result of the ] and Lasky resigned in 1932 after personally losing $12 million.<ref name=varobit/> Famous |
Financial problems arose within the industry as a result of the ] and Lasky resigned in 1932 after personally losing $12 million.<ref name=varobit/> Famous Players–Lasky went into receivership in 1933<ref>{{cite news|title=J.L. Lasky Invokes New Bankruptcy Law. Listing $2,020,024 Liabilities and $134,718 Assets, He Asks Deal With Creditors.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/08/03/archives/jl-lasky-invokes-new-bankruptcy-law-listing-2020024-liablities-and.html|newspaper=]|date=August 3, 1933|access-date=2009-03-02}}</ref> and was folded into Paramount. | ||
| ===Other producing roles=== | ===Other producing roles=== | ||
| He became an independent film producer and in 1935 formed a partnership with ] to produce films but within a few years she dissolved their business relationship.<ref name=varobit/><ref name=katz/> | He became an independent film producer and in 1935 formed a partnership with ] to produce films but within a few years she dissolved their business relationship.<ref name=varobit/><ref name=katz/> He went on to produce a radio talent show.<ref name=katz/> | ||
| Lasky then found work as an associate producer at ] before becoming a producer at ] until 1945 when he formed his own production company. At Warners he produced '']'' (1941), '']'' (1944) and '']'' (1945).<ref name=varobit/> |
Lasky then found work as an associate producer at ] before becoming a producer at ] until 1945 when he formed his own production company. At Warners he produced '']'' (1941), '']'' (1944) and '']'' (1945).<ref name=varobit/> His last film was '']'' (1951). He became in debt to the ] and was preparing another production with Paramount, ''The Brass Band'', to help pay off the debt but died before production started.<ref name=varobit/><ref name=katz/> | ||
| ==Personal life and death== | ==Personal life and death== | ||
| Jesse L. Lasky died from a ] in ], aged 77.<ref name=time1>{{cite |
Jesse L. Lasky died from a ] in ], aged 77.<ref name=time1>{{cite magazine |title=Jesse Lasky dies. |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,864219,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131163510/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,864219,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 31, 2011 |magazine=] |date=January 27, 1958 |access-date=June 8, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jesse L. Lasky, Film Pioneer, Dies at 77. Early Producer Who Helped Build Movie Industry Suffers Fatal Heart Seizure. |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/441241452.html?dids=441241452:441241452&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&date=Jan+14%2C+1958&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Jesse+L.+Lasky%2C+Film+Pioneer%2C+Dies+at+77&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019153222/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/441241452.html?dids=441241452:441241452&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&date=Jan+14,+1958&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Jesse+L.+Lasky,+Film+Pioneer,+Dies+at+77&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |work=] |date=January 14, 1958 |access-date=2009-03-02}}</ref> He is interred in ], adjacent to Paramount Studios, in Hollywood. | ||
| He and his wife |
He and his wife Bessie had three children ], ] and Billy.<ref name=varobit/> | ||
| In 1957 he published his autobiography, ''I Blow My Own Horn''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lasky |first=Jesse L. |title=I Blow My Own Horn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gIRZAAAAMAAJ |date=April 11, 1957 |publisher=Doubleday |via=Google Books}}</ref> | In 1957 he published his autobiography, ''I Blow My Own Horn''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lasky |first=Jesse L. |title=I Blow My Own Horn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gIRZAAAAMAAJ |date=April 11, 1957 |publisher=Doubleday |via=Google Books}}</ref> | ||
| ==Legacy== | ==Legacy== | ||
| For his contribution to the motion picture industry, Lasky has a star on the ] at 6433 Hollywood Boulevard. Lasky Drive in ] was named in his honor. | For his contribution to the motion picture industry, Lasky has a star on the ] at 6433 Hollywood Boulevard. Lasky Drive in ] was named in his honor. | ||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
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| {{DEFAULTSORT:Lasky, Jesse Louis}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Lasky, Jesse Louis}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 23:08, 22 September 2024
American film producer and co-founder of Paramount Pictures (1880–1958)
| Jesse L. Lasky | |
|---|---|
 Lasky in 1915 | |
| Born | Jesse Louis Lasky (1880-09-13)September 13, 1880 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 13, 1958(1958-01-13) (aged 77) Beverly Hills, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Hollywood Forever Cemetery |
| Occupation | Film producer |
| Spouse | Bessie Mona Ginsberg |
| Children | 3, including Jesse Jr. and Betty |
| Relatives | Samuel Goldwyn (former brother-in-law), Mervyn LeRoy (cousin) |
| Signature | |
 | |
Jesse Louis Lasky (September 13, 1880 – January 13, 1958) was an American pioneer motion picture producer who was a key founder of what was to become Paramount Pictures, and father of screenwriter Jesse L. Lasky Jr.
Early life
Born in to a Jewish family in San Francisco, California, Lasky worked at a variety of jobs but began his entertainment career as a vaudeville performer, playing the cornet in a duo act with his sister Blanche.
Career
In 1911, Lasky was the producer of two Broadway musicals: Hello, Paris and A La Broadway. Beatrice deMille was also producing plays on Broadway and she introduced him to her son Cecil B. DeMille.
Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company
In 1913 Lasky and his sister Blanche's husband, Samuel Goldfish (before changing his name to Samuel Goldwyn), teamed with DeMille and Oscar Apfel to form the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company, with Lasky as president. With limited funds, they rented a barn near Los Angeles where they made Hollywood's first feature film, DeMille's The Squaw Man, which was a success. Known today as the Lasky-DeMille Barn, it is home to the Hollywood Heritage Museum.
Other films produced by the studio include the original version of Brewster's Millions, The Call of the North, Cameo Kirby, The Circus Man, The Ghost Breaker, The Making of Bobby Burnit, The Man from Home, The Man on the Box, The Master Mind, The Only Son, The Virginian (all 1914), The Cheat, Carmen, Kindling (all 1915), The Blacklist (1916) and The Bottle Imp (1917).
Famous Players–Lasky
In 1916, Lasky's company merged with Adolph Zukor's rival company Famous Players Film Company to create Famous Players–Lasky Corporation, with Zukor as president and Lasky as vice-president in charge of production. In 1920, Famous Players–Lasky built a large studio facility in Astoria, New York, now known as the Kaufman Astoria Studios. Films produced by Lasky include What Every Woman Knows (1921), The Covered Wagon (1923), A Kiss for Cinderella (1925), Beau Geste (1926), Wings (1927). In September 1927, Famous Players–Lasky was reorganized under the name Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation, later becoming the Paramount Pictures Corporation.
In 1927, Lasky was one of the 36 people who founded the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His Wings was the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Financial problems arose within the industry as a result of the Great Depression and Lasky resigned in 1932 after personally losing $12 million. Famous Players–Lasky went into receivership in 1933 and was folded into Paramount.
Other producing roles
He became an independent film producer and in 1935 formed a partnership with Mary Pickford to produce films but within a few years she dissolved their business relationship. He went on to produce a radio talent show.
Lasky then found work as an associate producer at RKO Pictures before becoming a producer at Warner Bros. until 1945 when he formed his own production company. At Warners he produced Sergeant York (1941), The Adventures of Mark Twain (1944) and Rhapsody in Blue (1945). His last film was The Great Caruso (1951). He became in debt to the Bureau of Internal Revenue and was preparing another production with Paramount, The Brass Band, to help pay off the debt but died before production started.
Personal life and death
Jesse L. Lasky died from a heart attack in Beverly Hills, aged 77. He is interred in Hollywood Forever Cemetery, adjacent to Paramount Studios, in Hollywood.
He and his wife Bessie had three children Jesse L. Jr., Betty and Billy.
In 1957 he published his autobiography, I Blow My Own Horn.
Legacy
For his contribution to the motion picture industry, Lasky has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6433 Hollywood Boulevard. Lasky Drive in Beverly Hills was named in his honor.
References
- ^ "Obituaries: Jesse L. Lasky". Variety. January 15, 1958. p. 70. Retrieved October 19, 2021 – via Archive.org.
- Cones, John (April 2015). Motion Picture Biographies: The Hollywood Spin on Historical Figures. Algora. p. 6. ISBN 9781628941166.
- ^ Katz, Ephraim; Fred Klein; Ronald Dean Nolan (1998). The Macmillan International Film Encyclopedia (3rd ed.). New York: Macmillan. p. 795. ISBN 0-333-74037-8. OCLC 39216574.
- "Jesse L. Lasky – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". www.ibdb.com.
- "Beatrice deMille – Women Film Pioneers Project". wfpp.cdrs.columbia.edu. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
- "Famous Players–Lasky Corporation". SilentEra.com. Retrieved April 16, 2009.
- "J.L. Lasky Invokes New Bankruptcy Law. Listing $2,020,024 Liabilities and $134,718 Assets, He Asks Deal With Creditors". The New York Times. August 3, 1933. Retrieved March 2, 2009.
- "Jesse Lasky dies". Time. January 27, 1958. Archived from the original on January 31, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2008.
- "Jesse L. Lasky, Film Pioneer, Dies at 77. Early Producer Who Helped Build Movie Industry Suffers Fatal Heart Seizure". Los Angeles Times. January 14, 1958. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2009.
- Lasky, Jesse L. (April 11, 1957). "I Blow My Own Horn". Doubleday – via Google Books.
External links
- Works by or about Jesse L. Lasky at the Internet Archive
- Jesse L. Lasky at IMDb
- Jesse L. Lasky at Find a Grave
- 1880 births
- 1958 deaths
- American film studio executives
- American film production company founders
- Film producers from California
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences founders
- Paramount Pictures executives
- Producers who won the Best Picture Academy Award
- American vaudeville performers
- 20th-century American Jews
- Burials at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- Mass media people from San Francisco