August 7th 2024.
Jay Kanter, a renowned agent in the glitzy world of Hollywood, has sadly passed away at the age of 97. He was a powerful figure in the industry, representing some of the biggest names in showbiz, including Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Marlon Brando.
Kanter's career in Tinseltown was nothing short of impressive, and he eventually ventured into producing films such as Star Wars and Thelma and Louise. His son, Adam Kanter, confirmed the news of his peaceful passing at his home in Beverly Hills, citing natural causes as the cause of his death.
Before making a name for himself in Hollywood, Kanter served in the US Navy during World War II. After his service, he landed his first job in the movie industry at the renowned agency MCA. It was there that he formed a lifelong partnership with his close friend, Marlon Brando.
Kanter also had the opportunity to work with other legendary stars, such as Warren Beatty, Ronald Reagan, and Gene Kelly. But it was his friendship with Brando that truly stood out. Their bond began when Kanter was tasked with picking up the young actor from a train station when he was just 22 years old.
In addition to his career as an agent, Kanter also dabbled in film production. He moved to London when MCA acquired Universal and oversaw the studio's production in Europe. He then went on to establish his own production company with Elliot Kastner and Alan Ladd before eventually taking on an executive role at 20th Century Fox.
Kanter's impressive list of credits includes iconic films such as Blade Runner, Chariots of Fire, Alien, and the Police Academy franchise. He also had a knack for comedy, working on classics like High Anxiety, Spaceballs, Young Frankenstein, and Silent Movie.
Born on December 12, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, Kanter was married three times. He first tied the knot with actress Roberta Haynes before marrying actress Judy Balaban, the daughter of Paramount Pictures boss Barney Balaban. He then found love with Kit Bennett, and they were together until her passing in 2014.
Kanter leaves behind six children and several grandchildren. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the industry he helped shape. If you have a celebrity story or any related content, please don't hesitate to reach out to the entertainment team at The Agency via email or by phone. We would love to hear from you.
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