BBC News: Karate Kid producer Jerry Weintraub dies aged 77

Ralph Macchio thanked Weintraub for making him a star in “The Karate Kid. They’d have to give me a lobotomy”.

After the WEG bankruptcy, Weintraub continued producing, putting out such films as “Vegas Vacation” and “Ocean’s Eleven” and its starry sequels.

Weintraub’s most recent success was Behind The Candelabra, Steven Soderbergh’s 2013 drama about the life of flamboyant pianist, Liberace, played by Michael Douglas. Jerry Weintraub founded his own production company Weintraub Entertainment Group in 1987.

“I used to tease him about… being a “black belt name-dropper”, but he really did seem to know everyone in showbiz – and we join his many friends in remembering and celebrating his singular life”.

“In the years to come the stories and accomplishments will get better with age, just as Jerry would have wanted it”, Clooney said in a statement.

Weintraub, 77, died of cardiac arrest at his home, 155 km west of Los Angeles, publicist Michelle Bega said in a statement.

Weintraub was born in 1937 in Brooklyn. Or as the old-timers say, “Enjoy, ‘” he wrote his book. He then was hired by Lew Wasserman at MCA, where he worked as advance man for the agency’s stars.

Coming to, Weintraub realized he’d been drinking vodka while his cast had been fooling him with shots of plain water. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones”.

The couple have three adopted daughters, while Jerry also has a son from a previous marriage.

Weintraub was known for producing the reboot of the Oceans franchise, directed by Steven Soderbergh, based on the 1960s capers starring Sinatra. Instead of relying on local concert promoters, Weintraub took over booking and promotion, a strategy that proved efficient and lucrative.

“I’m not afraid of anything”, Weintraub told NPR in a 2010 interview. He worked with Frank Sinatra.

His other musical mega-acts included Dolly Parton, the Beach Boys, the Pointer Sisters and John Denver.

He also helped usher in the era of arena-sized concerts. “Every night was something no one had ever done”. Here’s a guy I think is hugely talented as an artist who has given of himself and made a difference in the world. “It was all new”.