Beloved Producer Who Worked on Film with Johnny Depp & Leonardo DiCaprio Passes Away

Beloved film producer and executive David Matalon has died. He passed away at his Beverly Hills home on Tuesday, December 2. He died of natural causes and was 82, Deadline reports. 

David Matalon’s Legacy

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Born on July 5, 1943, Matalon worked within the entertainment industry for decades and was respected by those who knew him. Among his impressive portfolio was co-founding and running TriStar Pictures, and leading Regency Enterprises. Some of the films he helped bring to life include “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” starring Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio; “Hear No Evil,” starring Marlee Matlin; and “Breaking Up,” starring Russell Crowe and Salma Hayek.

Matalon loved what he did, and he loved film. “I’m entering the third act of my life, and I want to spend the third act doing things I love — and I love film,” he said in 2007, The Hollywood Reporter reports. “When you run a company, you are far removed from the agony and the ecstasy of making films.”

Those who worked with him have made heartfelt tributes about his passing. The statements include one from Regency founder Arnon Milchan. “David was not only the CEO of Regency during a pivotal chapter for the company, but also a dear friend — the brother I never had. We extend our heartfelt condolences to David’s family during this difficult time,” Milchan said, Deadline reports. 

Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group Tom Rothman, also shared a heartfelt statement to Deadline. “Anyone who had the privilege, as I did for many years, of working with David in the trenches of the film business knew they could always count on his strength, wisdom, integrity and guts,” Rothman said. “He was a rare breed of the old school and will be greatly missed. I extend my deepest condolences to his family in this hard time.”

Remembering David Matalon

Sony Pictures shared news of Matalon’s passing on Instagram. They shared a screenshot from a Deadline article and captioned the post with a tribute to the late producer. “We pay tribute to David Matalon, former president and co-founder of TriStar Pictures, who leaves behind a lasting legacy on the industry at large. We extend our deepest condolences to his family,” the caption reads. 

The family Matalon leaves behind includes his daughters, Michelle and Shirlee, and his brothers, Roy and Amnon. He was also a grandfather and a great-grandfather.

Comments on the post highlight how much Matalon meant to so many. “Was so sad to hear this news. Was thinking of David recently and was planning to touch base with him after a number of years,” a comment reads. “First met him in the late 1970s & worked together at various times over the years. RIP.”

“A great, great man,” another person shared. A third comment reads, “May he rest in peace.”

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