Jay Kanter, a famous Hollywood agent and film producer, has passed away at the age of 97. He was well-known for representing some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, including Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, and Grace Kelly. Jay Kanter died quietly at his home in Beverly Hills on the morning of August 6, surrounded by his loved ones.
Jay Kanter Early Life and Career
Jay Kanter was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to Jewish parents on December 12, 1926. He started his career in Hollywood with the help of Lew Wasserman in MCA (Music Corporation of America). When Eik was 22 and working in the U. S. Navy during World War II, he was once assigned to pick up the young Marlon Brando from the train station. The meeting was the start of Kanter and Brando friendship and even business cooperation that spanned the actor’s lifetime.
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Rise to Prominence
Jay Kanter’s career was also rather successful and he rapidly gained the position of an influential Hollywood agent. He acted for many stars and starlets Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly to name a few. He was also behind the character and apartments in the famous movie “The Apartment,” by Billy Wilder, embodied by Jack Lemmon.
Work in London and Production Career
Jay Kanter followed MCA to London with his family when the company acquired Universal Pictures. He was the one responsible for supervising production in Universal’s European studio. Kanter also co-founded a production company called ASK Films with Elliott Kastner and Alan Ladd Jr after the studio shut its office in Europe.
Notable Productions
Jay Kanter produced several notable films, including:
- X, Y, and Zee (1972): Starring Elizabeth Taylor.
- Thelma and Louise
- Julia
- Blade Runner
- Body Heat
- Norma Rae
- Chariots of Fire
- Star Wars
- Empire Strikes Back
- Alien
- The Right Stuff
- Turning Point
- Police Academy series
These films include several Academy Award winners and are considered classics in the film industry.
Personal Life
While looking at the aspects of his personal life, it should be mentioned that Jay Kanter was a thrice-married man. His failed first marriage was to an actress Roberta Haynes and the marriage only lasted for a few months. He then married Judy Balaban, only daughter of Paramount Pictures’ former president and current honorary chairman, Barney Balaban. Of his three marriages, the last one was to Kit Bennett Kanter who had been married for 49 years until her death in the year 2014.
During Jay Kanter’s lifetime, he lost his daughter namely, Victoria Kanter Colombetti. He is survived by his children: Dustin Bernard and Tom Bernard, Cydney Bernard, Amy Kanter and Adam Kanter and Michael Kanter. He also mourns many grandchildren, namely Jason Colombetti, Matthew Colombetti, Owen Thiele, Sophie Bernard, Charlie Foster, Hannah Kanter, Kit Foster, Cleo Kanter, Grayson Kanter and Ryan Kanter.
Legacy
Jay Kanter’s impact on Hollywood is significant. He was known for his integrity, kindness, and ability to manage and produce successful films. His work with some of the most famous actors in Hollywood history, as well as his role in producing iconic films, ensures that his legacy will be remembered for many years to come.
