Jerry Weintraub was an American film producer, talent management, and actor born on 26 September 1937 and died on 6 July 2015. He initially worked as a talent agent notably managing singer John Denver in the 1970s boosting Denver’s career through concerts, TV specials, and movies like Oh, God! Weintraub made headlines in showbiz by pioneering large arena concert tours for artists including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Dylan.
Transitioning into film production, Weintraub produced notable movies such as “Nashville Diner” directed by Barry Levinson, “The Karate Kid” series, and the “Ocean’s Eleven” trilogy starting in 2001. His later successes included executive producing HBO’s “The Brink” and “Behind the Candelabra,” which earned him an Emmy. He further contributed to environmental awareness with the Emmy-winning documentary Years of Living Dangerously. HBO also honored him with a documentary in 2011 titled His Way exploring his remarkable life in entertainment.
| Full Name | Jerome Charles Weintraub |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 1937 |
| Died | July 6, 2015 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Producer, Talent Agent, Film Producer |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
| Spouse | Jane Morgan (separated) |
| Children | Michael Weintraub, Julie Weintraub Jamie Weintraub, Jody Weintraub |
| Net Worth | $325 million |
Jerry Weintraub’s Early Life
Jerome Charles Weintraub was born into a Jewish family in Brooklyn and grew up in the Bronx. His parents were Rose and Samuel Weintraub, with his father working as a gem dealer. During his youth Jerome worked as a theater usher and later as a waiter in the Catskills.
Starting his career at MCA as a mailroom clerk, Jerome eventually left to establish his own management company. During his time at MCA, he worked closely with Lew Wasserman whom he admired like a father figure.
In the 1960s, Jerry Weintraub co-founded a musical group called The Doodletown Pipers. He managed various artists during this period including Paul Anka, Shelley Berman, Pat Boone, Joey Bishop, The Four Seasons, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett, and singer Jane Morgan whom he later married.
Career
Jerry Weintraub was a key figure in the entertainment industry known for discovering talents like John Denver in 1970 after spotting him at a Greenwich Village club. He produced numerous TV music specials for Denver winning an Emmy for one. Their collaboration extended to the film “Oh God!” starring Denver alongside George Burns. Despite their success their professional relationship ended on a sour note and Weintraub regretted not reconciling before Denver’s passing.
Weintraub’s influence also extended to Elvis Presley convincing him and his manager to embark on Presley’s first national tour in 1970 which greatly boosted Weintraub’s career in concert promotion. He later persuaded Frank Sinatra to return to touring in 1974 transforming Sinatra from a nightclub performer to a stadium sensation marking a significant career comeback.
His knack for organizing large-scale concerts made him a legend in show business history. He managed or promoted concerts for Bob Dylan including a world tour that spanned Japan Europe and the US captivating millions.
Jerry Weintraub’s ventures in film production began with “Nashville” and continued with hits like “The Karate Kid” series which he produced leading to a brief stint as chairman of United Artists. He later founded Weintraub Entertainment Group securing substantial financing and a distribution deal with Columbia Pictures.
Throughout his career, Weintraub produced a diverse range of films from classics like “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001) to popular titles such as “The Karate Kid”. He also ventured into television producing acclaimed series like HBO’s “Behind the Candelabra” and winning Emmys for his work.
Weintraub’s life was commemorated in the HBO documentary “His Way” showcasing his multifaceted contributions to entertainment. His legacy as a producer organizer and friend continues to inspire admiration in the industry.
Net Worth
Jerry Weintraub has an estimated net worth of $325 Million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The main source of Jerry Weintraub’s net worth primarily came from his successful career as a film producer, talent manager, and concert promoter. He gained prominence by managing music legends like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Led Zeppelin. He then transitioned into film production, producing popular movies like “Nashville,” “Diner,” and the “Ocean’s Eleven” series.
Additionally, his work in television and ownership of lucrative real estate investments contributed significantly to his wealth. Weintraub’s diverse ventures in entertainment and smart investments were the main sources of his financial success.
Personal life
Jerry Weintraub was married twice. His first wife was Janice Greenberg who was the daughter of a dentist from his neighborhood in the Bronx and had previously worked as singer Julius La Rosa’s secretary. They had one son named Michael.
Jerry Weintraub’s second wife was Jane Morgan a singer and actress who was 13 years older than him. Their relationship began professionally but turned personal and they married in 1965 when she was 41 and he was 28. Together they adopted three daughters. Although they separated in the 1980s they remained legally married. From then until his passing Weintraub lived with his girlfriend and longtime companion Susan Ekins.
Throughout his life, Jerry Weintraub supported both political parties at different times. He was notably close friends with both George H. W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. Additionally, Weintraub had a strong spiritual side which he discussed with television host Larry King. He was devoted to The Lubavitcher Rebbe and believed deeply in the Rebbe’s mystical teachings.
Philanthropy
Jerome Charles Weintraub was deeply involved in various charitable causes. He generously supported institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Music Center. His philanthropy extended to the UCLA School of Dentistry and the Children’s Museum of Los Angeles. In recognition of his contributions the American Friends of the Hebrew University honored him and his wife Jane, with the Scopus Award in 1988.
Jerry Weintraub was also known for his support of Chabad and had a close relationship with the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Additionally, he took action to address the humanitarian crisis in Darfur starting in 2007. Alongside Matt Damon, George Clooney, Don Cheadle, and Brad Pitt, he co-founded the nonprofit organization Not On Our Watch. Their mission was to prevent mass atrocities not only in Darfur but also in other parts of the world. Together they successfully raised $9.3 million to support relief efforts.
Death
Jerry Weintraub passed away from heart failure in Santa Barbara, California on July 6, 2015, at 77 years old.
After news of his death spread many celebrities and friends honored Weintraub’s memory. Former President George H.W. Bush a close friend described him as a true American original who achieved success through his strong instincts determination and charismatic personality. He loved life passionately and despite the highs and lows of his extensive career his deep affection for show business always shone through.
Actor and director Carl Reiner referred to Weintraub as a dynamic force of nature. Actor Don Cheadle shared that Jerry was like a mentor a visionary a supportive figure and a friend all rolled into one. George Clooney known for his roles in the Ocean’s movies reflected that while future tributes would celebrate Jerry’s incredible stories and achievements today was a day of mourning for the loss of their dear friend.
Jerry Weintraub was laid to rest at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City California.
