Film World Mourns Producer Jeremy Thomas as Fearless Champion of Directors
Tributes are pouring in for legendary British producer Jeremy Thomas, who passed away Friday at 77, according to a report from Variety.
Director Terry Gilliam, who collaborated with Thomas on "Tideland" and "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote," told the outlet that Thomas adored filmmaking and especially loved directors. Gilliam described him as a fearless financier of unlikely projects and a calm, supportive producer who protected filmmakers.
Luca Guadagnino, who recently featured Thomas in a documentary, said his death leaves a massive void. He called Thomas a pure cinema force who knew how to elevate filmmakers, stating his body of work is unparalleled and includes many defining films from the last five decades.
Fellow producer Andrew Macdonald said Thomas was a "rebel with taste" and a personal hero. Others, including Charles Finch and Edinburgh Film Festival's Paul Ridd, shared memories of his loyalty, generosity, and support for film culture.
Thomas produced 80 features over his career, earning a Best Picture Oscar in 1988 for Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor."
