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Jesse LaskyAmerican film producer
Date of Birth: 13.09.1880
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Jesse L. Lasky was born in San Francisco and held a variety of jobs before beginning his entertainment career in vaudeville, which eventually led to the motion picture industry.
Founding of Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company and Paramount Pictures
In 1913, Lasky joined forces with Samuel Goldwyn, Cecil B. DeMille, and Oscar Apfel to form the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company. With limited funds, they rented a barn outside Los Angeles where they produced the first Hollywood feature film, "The Squaw Man." This barn, now known as the "Lasky-DeMille Barn," houses the Hollywood Heritage Museum. In 1916, their company merged with Adolph Zukor's Famous Players Film Company to create Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, which later became Paramount Pictures.
Success and Expansion
In 1920, they constructed a large studio in Astoria, New York, now known as the Kaufman Astoria Studios. In 1927, Lasky became one of the thirty-six founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Financial Challenges and Later Career
The Great Depression caused financial difficulties for the film industry, leading Famous Players Film Company to enter receivership in 1933. Lasky collaborated with Mary Pickford to produce films, but their partnership ended after several years. Lasky then worked as a producer for various major studios until 1945, when he formed his own production company. He produced his last film in 1951 and published his autobiography, "I Blow My Own Horn," in 1957.
Legacy and Honors
Lasky died in 1958 in Beverly Hills. He was laid to rest at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, adjacent to Paramount Studios. Lasky's contributions to the film industry earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Lasky Drive in Beverly Hills is also named in his honor.
