Stanley R. Jaffe, a renowned producer and studio executive best known for producing “Kramer vs. Kramer,” has passed away at the age of 84 at his home in Rancho Mirage, as confirmed by his daughter, Betsy.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, Jaffe was the son of Columbia Pictures chairman Leo Jaffe, a respected figure in the film industry. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jaffe graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1962 and started his career as an assistant at Seven Arts under studio co-founder Eliot Hyman.
Jaffe’s first major production was the 1969 romantic drama “Goodbye, Columbus,” featuring Richard Benjamin and Ali MacGraw. The film, based on a novella by Philip Roth, became a success for Paramount Pictures, propelling Jaffe into a leadership position at the studio.
During his time at Paramount, Jaffe greenlit the iconic film “The Godfather,” solidifying his reputation in the industry. After leaving Paramount, he founded his production company, Jaffilms, which produced notable films like “The Bad News Bears,” starring Walter Matthau and Tatum O’Neal.
Jaffe later joined Columbia Pictures as EVP of Worldwide Production, where he discovered the manuscript for “Kramer vs. Kramer.” The film, directed by Robert Benton and starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, went on to win five Oscars, including Best Picture.
In 1983, Jaffe partnered with 20th Century Fox president Sherry Lansing to establish Jaffe-Lansing, producing another Oscar-nominated film, “Fatal Attraction.” Jaffe continued to make significant contributions to the industry, returning to Paramount as chairman of Paramount Communications in 1991.
Throughout his career, Jaffe worked on a variety of projects, including the critically acclaimed “The Four Feathers” in 2002, featuring Heath Ledger. He is survived by his wife Melinda, children Bobby, Betsy, Alex, and Kate, along with five grandchildren.
The legacy of Stanley R. Jaffe, a beloved figure in the entertainment world, will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and industry professionals.
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