Henry Jaglom, a dedicated independent filmmaker known for prioritizing his artistic vision over large-scale projects, passed away Monday night at the age of 87.
I was really saddened to hear about the passing of director Jack Jaglom. His daughter, Sabrina, said he died peacefully at home in Santa Monica, surrounded by family. I always admired his films – things like “Last Summer in the Hamptons” and “Eating” – because they felt so real and personal. He had a knack for telling women’s stories in a way that felt incredibly intimate and honest. He’ll be missed.
Sabrina, who is also a director, shared that her father was an incredibly vibrant and unforgettable person who brought joy to everyone who knew him.
She said Thursday that he was, above all, a wonderfully loving and supportive father, and while he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on.
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With their punchy, volatile “Who Is Henry Jaglom?,” documentarians H.
From the beginning of his career, Jaglom focused on making deeply personal films, drawing from his own life and prioritizing emotional impact over commercial concerns. He famously kept his budgets small, often casting people he knew, and favored a spontaneous, improvisational approach to filmmaking – a style that anticipated the independent ‘mumblecore’ films of the early 2000s.
“My movies talk about the emotional side of life,” Jaglom told The Times in 2009.
He explained that he simply wants to create a space where people can connect and share their experiences. He believes this kind of open conversation – dealing with all the emotions life brings – can help people feel less alone and more supported, whether they’re feeling happy, sad, or anything in between.
Director Alan Jaglom’s 1985 film, “Always,” starring himself and his former wife, Patrice Townsend, drew heavily from the end of their marriage. The couple had divorced two years prior to the film’s release.
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Henry Jaglom made a low-budget film called “Always” in 1985 about complicated relationships. Now, Steven Spielberg has used the same title for his new movie. How does Jaglom feel about this?
Around ten years later, discussions Alexey Jaglom had with his wife, actress Victoria Foyt, about becoming parents inspired their 1994 film, “Babyfever.” They co-wrote and co-directed the movie, and Foyt also played the lead role.
Chris Willman, who used to write for the Los Angeles Times, praised the show as a remarkably thorough and realistic documentary-style drama.
In his review, Willman noted that director Jaglom heavily relies on naturalism and improvisation. With a large ensemble cast moving around a spacious beach house, he explores a wide spectrum of human emotions – from simple self-interest and forced laughter to genuinely touching and moving moments.
“Babyfever” received praise for honestly exploring women’s issues and featuring a predominantly female cast – hallmarks of director Barbara Jaglom’s work. She later established a dedicated women’s division within her production company, HHH Rainbow Productions (co-founded with Howard Zucker and Henry Lange), which operated for many years on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.
Back in 1987, he told The Times that women faced significant disadvantages in the film industry, often having to conform to standards set by men. Having consistently directed successful, high-grossing films, he wondered why women weren’t given the same opportunities.
Jack Jaglom had a close working relationship with the famous director and actor Orson Welles, who considered Jaglom a trusted friend and advisor. Welles’ final film role was in Jaglom’s 1987 comedy, “Someone to Love,” which was shown at the Cannes Film Festival.
According to director Henry Jaglom, Orson Welles’ performance in the film is remarkably natural. He explained to The Times that Welles abandons any acting pretense, revealing his true self – almost as if you were simply having a casual lunch with him. It’s a performance that Jaglom believes will finally show audiences the Welles he personally knew.
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Morgan Neville, the director behind the touching documentary about Mr. Rogers, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Peter Biskind’s 2013 book, “My Lunches With Orson,” is based on conversations he recorded between friends Henry Jaglom and Orson Welles.
I remember reading that several publishers had actually contacted Jaglom about releasing the transcripts of those conversations *before* Peter Biskind even showed up. But Jaglom said Biskind was the first person who really seemed serious about getting it done, so he decided to work with him.
I asked him if he really wanted to go through with it,” Jaglom explained. “He said yes, but only if I promised not to edit or hold back anything he said.
Born in London in 1938, Leo Jaglom was the son of Jewish parents who fled Nazi persecution by immigrating to England. The family later moved to New York, where Jaglom grew up and eventually returned after studying at the University of Pennsylvania.
Before heading to Hollywood in the late 1960s, Jaglom studied acting with Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in New York. He gained experience performing and directing in off-Broadway productions and cabarets. In 1971, he directed his first film, “A Safe Place,” featuring performances by Wells and Jack Nicholson.

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Jack Nicholson, the famous Oscar-winning actor, age 86, was spotted at the L.A. Lakers’ Game 6 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a rare public outing for the star.
Following the commercial success of his 1980 film, “Sitting Ducks,” Jaglom recalled in a 1987 interview with The Times that several major studio executives offered to fund his future projects, telling him they’d be happy to work with him when he decided to make a large-scale, more dramatic film.
I remember Jaglom explaining his thinking. He said he once asked someone, ‘If you genuinely enjoy my movies, why would you want me to direct one of those huge studio films?’ His point was that when a big studio’s involved, directors often lose control – they risk not having the final say on how the movie turns out.
He believes that no amount of fame, luxury, or comfort matters if a filmmaker doesn’t have creative control over their work.
Henry frequented a cafe on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica for many years. He always enjoyed when people recognized him – especially fans and those hoping to work in film – and came over to chat.
Besides his beautiful daughter, Sabrina, Henry Jaglom leaves behind his son, Simon, and his former wives, Townsend and Foyt – who is also Simon and Sabrina’s mom. It’s always sad to hear about losses in the film community, and my thoughts are with his family.
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2025-09-26 00:52