Steve Bing, a Hollywood producer, writer and financier who famously invested in the Tom Hanks movie “The Polar Express,” has died by suicide. He was 55.
A spokesperson for the L.A. County Coroner’s Office told TheWrap that the office responded to a death in the 10000 block of Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, and the man was pronounced dead at 1:10 p.m. According to TMZ, which was the first to report the news of Bing’s death, he jumped from the 27th floor of the building.
An individual at 10000 Santa Monica Boulevard confirmed to TheWrap that Bing had jumped from the tower.
The LAPD and L.A. County Coroner’s Office would not confirm the identification of the deceased or the cause of death. An individual who knew Bing said he had been depressed and acting bizarrely of late.
Bing’s writing credits include 1994’s “Every Breathe” and one episode of “Married… with Children.” He is also known for producing films like “Get Carter,” “Night at the Golden Eagle,” “Rock the Kasbah,” “Rules Don’t Apply” and most recently, “St. Sebastian.” He was currently filming an Untitled Jerry Lee Lewis Documentary. He was also a big investor in “The Polar Express,” the animated feature featuring the voice of Tom Hanks.
Bing is also the founder of Shangri-La Entertainment, which focuses on property, construction, entertainment and music. Its latest credit is 2017’s “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” Bing also financed films like Robert Zemeckis’ “Beowulf” and Martin Scorsese’s “Shine A Light.”
Bing was born on March 31, 1965. He received an estimated $600 million inheritance when he turned 18, from his grandfather and real estate developer Leo S. Bing. He dropped out of Stanford University to pursue a career in Hollywood and also contributed millions of dollars to Democratic political causes — in 2012, he contributed $30 million to the Motion Picture & Television Fund.
He is survived by his two children; Damian Hurley from his relationship with actress Elizabeth Hurley, and daughter Kira Bonder, from his relationship with former pro tennis player Lisa Bonder.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a free, 24/7 confidential service that can provide people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, or those around them, with support, information and local resources.