James G. Robinson, the former automobile executive who co-founded Morgan Creek Entertainment and left a lasting mark on Hollywood with films ranging from Ace Ventura: Pet Detective has Robin Hood: men in tightsdied at the age of 90.
His death, which occurred on February 15, was confirmed by a family obituary.
Robinson’s path to Hollywood was improbable. Born in Baltimore, he built his career in the automotive industry before turning to bridge financing for films and eventually moving into full-time production.
In 1988, he co-founded Morgan Creek Entertainment with veteran Hollywood executive Joe Roth, and the company became a truly prolific force in American cinema.
His credits include Young guns, Dead ringtones, Pacific Heights, The Last of the Mohicansand the enormous success Ace Ventura series, among many others.
Most recently, Robinson produced the theme song for the 2023 film. The Exorcist: Believer and the Dead ringtones television series.
He spoke to Variety in 1997 on what motivated him.
“When you work in a studio, where it’s nice and comfortable, there’s no pain and, in my mind, no gain,” he said.
“At the end of the day, the greatest feeling in the world is when you make a movie that you know is good and it plays exceptionally well. It’s an emotional home run.”
Robinson may also be remembered in some circles for a letter he sent to Lindsay Lohan during production of the 2006 film Morgan Creek. Georgia Rulein which he called her “discourteous, irresponsible and unprofessional” and described her as a “spoiled child” who had “endangered the quality of this image”.
The letter became famous in the industry. Director Garry Marshall later said Variety simply: “We needed this letter to deliver to work.” »
Robinson is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Lois Robinson; sons Michael, James, Matthew, David and Thomas; and his daughter Elizabeth Robinson deVilliers.
His son David Robinson is currently president of Morgan Creek Entertainment Group.
