Frank Rosenfelt
Frank E. Rosenfelt (November 15, 1921 – August 2, 2007) was an American executive who served as CEO of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studio under MGM owner Kirk Kerkorian from 1972 until 1982.[1] Additionally, Rosenfelt spearheaded the acquisition of United Artists by MGM in 1981.[2]
Early life
Frank Rosenfelt was born to a Jewish family[3] on November 15, 1921.[1] He grew up in New York City.[1] Rosenfelt enlisted in the United States Army during World War II and fought at the Battle of the Bulge.[1] He was wounded during the battle and received a Purple Heart.[1] Rosenfelt returned to the United States after the war and attended Cornell University and the Cornell Law School.[2]
MGM Studio career
Rosenfelt joined
Rosenfelt left RKO in 1955 and joined
One of his most important MGM accomplishments was the acquisition of the
Financier Kirk Kerkorian purchased MGM in 1972 and offered Rosenfelt the position of president, chair and CEO of the studio.[2] Rosenfelt accepted the Kerkorian's offer.
Rosenfelt headed the MGM negotiations for Kerkorian's and MGM's $380 million purchase of United Artists studios from the Transamerica Corporation, an insurance corporation, in 1981.[2] United Artists was had recently suffered financial losses following the commercial and critical failure of its movie, Heaven's Gate (1980).[1]
Rosenfelt stepped down as CEO of MGM in 1982 for personal reasons.[2] He was replaced by
He served on
Rosenfelt was known for his close friendships with a large number of important movie stars, directors, and studio executives during his Hollywood career. He counted comedian George Burns, actor Cary Grant, studio chief Sherry Lansing and film directors David Lean and Stanley Kubrick among his close friends.[1]
Death
Frank Rosenfelt died in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday, August 2, 2007, at the age of 85.[2] He was survived by his wife, Judith, a daughter and two sons.[1]
Rosenfelt was profiled on
References
- ^ The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 21, 2007. [dead link]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Saperstein, Pat (August 3, 2007). "MGM's Rosenfelt dies at 85: Icon led studio's acquisition of United Artists". Variety. Retrieved August 21, 2007.
- ISBN 978-0-253-20493-6.
- ^ "In Memoriam: Lives of Note: Recalling Oliver W. Hill and Frank Rosenfelt". ABC News. ABC News. August 12, 2007. Retrieved August 21, 2007.
External links
- Los Angeles Times: Frank Rosenfelt, 85; led MGM in '70s and '80s, then United Artists
- Variety Magazine: MGM's Rosenfelt dies at 85 Icon led studio's acquisition of United Artists
- ABC News: In Memoriam: Lives of Note: Frank Rosenfelt Archived April 15, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- Frank Rosenfelt at Find a Grave