Oscar-Winning Producer Stanley Jaffe Passes Away at 84, Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Hollywood

Renowned for Kramer vs. Kramer and Fatal Attraction, Jaffe shaped Hollywood as both a producer and studio executive.

Stanley R. Jaffe, the Oscar-winning producer behind Kramer vs. Kramer and former Paramount Pictures chairman, passed away at the age of 84 at his home in Rancho Mirage. His daughter, Betsy, confirmed the news.

Jaffe was a Hollywood powerhouse, producing some of the most acclaimed films of his time, including Fatal Attraction, Goodbye, Columbus, and The Bad News Bears. He was known for his keen storytelling instincts, shaping narratives that explored family, relationships, and human emotions.

A Hollywood Legacy Built on Excellence

Born in New Rochelle, New York, Jaffe was the son of Leo Jaffe, a Columbia Pictures executive. His father’s influence introduced him to the industry early, though Jaffe carved his own path. He graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1962 before stepping into the entertainment business.

Jaffe became the youngest studio head in Hollywood history at just 29 years old, when he was named COO and Executive VP of Paramount Pictures in 1969. During his tenure, he greenlit legendary films like Love Story (1970) and The Godfather (1972). He later returned to Paramount in the 1990s as its chairman before stepping down after Viacom’s acquisition of the studio.

From Producer to Oscar Winner

Jaffe’s biggest achievement came with Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), which he produced alongside Robert Benton. The film, starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. His acceptance speech reflected his deep connection to filmmaking:

“This is a film made with love, and it’s made about love.”

He later received another Oscar nomination for producing Fatal Attraction (1987), a psychological thriller that became a global hit.

A Hands-On Producer with an Eye for Talent

Jaffe was known for discovering and elevating talent. He took a chance on Meryl Streep for Kramer vs. Kramer, and his keen eye for storytelling helped launch careers. He was also responsible for bringing Ali MacGraw to the big screen in Goodbye, Columbus (1969) and producing The Bad News Bears (1976), featuring Tatum O’Neal.

An Everlasting Influence on Hollywood

Beyond filmmaking, Jaffe’s leadership at Jaffe-Lansing Productions, alongside Sherry Lansing, resulted in box office successes and critically acclaimed films. He was bold, innovative, and deeply committed to cinema’s evolution.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on Hollywood storytelling, production, and film business strategy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers.

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Tags: Stanley Jaffe, Kramer vs. Kramer, Hollywood Producer, Fatal Attraction, Paramount Pictures, Oscar Winners, Film Industry, Sherry Lansing, Movie History, Classic Films