Walter Mirisch, Former Academy President and ‘In the Heat of the Night’ Producer, Dies at 101
variety.comJ. Kim Murphy Walter Mirisch, a former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and an Oscar-winning producer for “In the Heat of the Night,” died Friday in Los Angeles of natural causes.
He was 101. Mirisch’s death was confirmed by a statement released by the Academy on Saturday afternoon. “The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is deeply saddened to hear of Walter’s passing,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in the statement. “Walter was a true visionary, both as a producer and as an industry leader.
He had a powerful impact on the film community and the Academy, serving as our President and as an Academy governor for many years.
His passion for filmmaking and the Academy never wavered, and he remained a dear friend and advisor. We send our love and support to his family during this difficult time.” In the mid-20th century, Mirisch was one of the most lauded and powerful producers in Hollywood.
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