Paramount Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos released a statement following Brad Grey’s death on Sunday.
“All of us at Paramount are deeply saddened by the news of Brad Grey’s passing. He was at the helm of the studio for over a decade and was responsible for so many of it’s most beloved films. We extend our deepest sympathies to Cassandra, Max, Sam, Emily and Jules Grey, along with Brad’s mother, brother and sister,” Gianopulos said in a statement sent Monday. “I was proud to call Brad a friend, and one I greatly admired. He will be missed by us all, and left his mark on our industry and in our hearts.”
Grey, who was the CEO of Paramount Pictures for 12 years and was succeeded by Gianopulos, died Sunday at the age of 59 due to cancer.
In February, Grey stepped down from his position at Paramount Pictures. One month later, Gianopulos was named his successor — he assumed the role in April.
Prior to leading Paramount, Grey built his former company, Brillstein-Grey Entertainment, and also was a co-founder of Plan B Entertainment alongside Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.
Grey, a prolific producer and former talent manager, is responsible for shepherding franchises like “Transformers,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Paranormal Activity” and the planned expansion of the “10 Cloverfield Lane” films from J.J. Abrams.
He also produced some of the most well-known programs on television, including “The Sopranos,” “Real Time with Bill Maher” and “The Larry Sanders Show.” He is a multiple Golden Globe, BAFTA, PGA and Emmy Award winner, as well as a four-time recipient of the George Foster Peabody Award.