George Folsey Jr., the legendary film editor and producer known for his collaborations with director John Landis on iconic films, has passed away at the age of 85. Learn more about his influential career and contributions to the film industry.
George Folsey Jr., known for his work as a film editor and producer, has tragically passed away at the age of 85. He collaborated with director John Landis on several beloved films such as Animal House, The Blues Brothers, Coming to America, and An American Werewolf in London. His son, fellow film editor Ryan Folsey, confirmed that George Folsey Jr. died in Los Angeles due to complications from pneumonia.
George Folsey Jr. comes from a family with deep roots in the film industry. His father, George J. Folsey, was a highly acclaimed cinematographer with 13 Oscar nominations to his name. George Folsey Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and made a name for himself as a talented film editor and producer. Some of his notable works include Cheaper by the Dozen, The Pink Panther, Hostel, and Hostel: Part II.
One of George Folsey Jr.’s most noteworthy collaborations was with director John Landis. Together, they worked on a series of successful films including Animal House, The Blues Brothers, and Coming to America. George Folsey Jr. also served as a producer on Landis’ cult classic An American Werewolf in London and other projects such as Trading Places, the iconic “Thriller” music video by Michael Jackson, and Three Amigos!.
Despite his many accomplishments, George Folsey Jr. faced challenges during his career, most notably during the filming of Landis’ segment for Twilight Zone: The Movie. A tragic accident occurred on set, resulting in the deaths of actor Vic Morrow and two child actors. Folsey and Landis, along with others, were later acquitted of manslaughter charges after a lengthy trial.
George Folsey Jr. was born in Los Angeles and grew up surrounded by the magic of the film industry. His father’s illustrious career as a cinematographer exposed him to Hollywood royalty, and he fondly recalled encounters with stars like Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Esther Williams. His early experiences on film sets inspired him to pursue a career in editing and production.
In addition to his work in the industry, George Folsey Jr. was known for his skill as a “fixer” of movies, helping to salvage troubled projects without alienating the creative teams involved. His approach to filmmaking emphasized collaboration and respect for the vision of directors and editors.
George Folsey Jr.’s passing is a loss to the film community, but his legacy lives on through the timeless films he helped bring to life. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
Source link
