Jennings Lang
USA- Early Life and Career
- MCA and Television Success
- Film Production and Sensurround
- Acting Debut and Scriptwriting
- Later Years and Legacy
Early Life and Career
Jennings Lang, an American film producer, screenwriter, and actor, was born in New York City on May 28, 1915. Initially pursuing a legal career, Lang relocated to Hollywood in 1933 where he became a talent agent. By 1940, he had joined the Jaffe agency, eventually becoming its head and gaining prominence as a leading Hollywood agent.
MCA and Television Success
In 1950, Lang moved to MCA, becoming Vice President of MCA TV Limited two years later. In this capacity, he collaborated with Universal Studios, developing, creating, and selling new television series in the 1950s and 1960s, including "Wagon Train," "The Bob Cummings Show," and "McHale's Navy." Lang also played a pivotal role in originating made-for-television movies based on television series.
Film Production and Sensurround
From 1969 to 1986, Lang produced and executive produced several films. In the mid-1970s, he oversaw a series of major productions, including the action thriller "Airport 1975" and the disaster film "Earthquake." The latter employed the innovative "Sensurround" sound system, creating a visceral movie-going experience with its thunderous special effects.
Acting Debut and Scriptwriting
Lang made a brief acting appearance as Martin Brend in Albert Brooks's 1979 comedy "Real Life." He also co-wrote the screenplay for the 1979 action film "The Concorde: Airport '79," collaborating with Arthur Hailey and Eric Roth.
Later Years and Legacy
A 1983 stroke prompted Lang's retirement from his active career. He passed away from pneumonia in Palm Desert, California, in 1996. Lang was survived by his wife Monica Lewis, whom he had married in 1956. His sons, Rocky Lang, became a film director, and Mike Lang, a pianist. Lang was also the father of Robert Lang.
