Jay Kanter, film producer and agent for Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe, dies at 97

As a seasoned movie critic with decades of industry insights under my belt, I must say that the passing of Jay Kanter is a significant loss not only to Hollywood but to the world of cinema as we know it. This man was more than just a prolific film producer and agent; he was a living testament to the power of serendipity and the magic of chance encounters.

Noted film producer and talent representative Jay Kanter, who represented stars like Marlon Brando, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe in Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 97.

Kanter died of natural causes Aug. 6 at his home in Beverly Hills, his son Adam Kanter confirmed.

Initially starting in the mailroom at MCA, this seasoned studio executive climbed the ranks over time, ultimately transitioning from a personal assistant to Lew Wasserman – a figure who once managed stars like Bette Davis and Ronald Reagan, and later served as the head of MCA – to becoming a junior agent.

In 1948, when Kanter was 22 years old, he was tasked with picking up Brando, who had just made a big splash on Broadway with “A Streetcar Named Desire,” from the train station. He then gave Brando a ride to his aunt and uncle’s house in San Marino, where they all shared an evening meal together.

On the following day, Brando was invited by Fred Zinnemann and Carl Foreman to visit their office at MCA, where he would meet the other representatives.

“[Brando] said, ‘I don’t have to meet anybody, you’re my agent,’” Kanter recalled in 2017.

During that period, he mentioned that Wasserman was receiving a constant stream of calls from film studio executives, all keen on securing Brando’s signature.

Lew responded, “I’m afraid I can’t help with that, you should reach out to his representative instead.” When they asked who that was, Lew replied, “Jay Kanter,” and they inquired, “And who might he be?”

A while after that, Kanter had an impressive roster of top-tier celebrities on his client list. His chance encounter with Brando led to the creation of a television series called “The Famous Teddy Z,” which revolved around a Hollywood star choosing a mailroom worker as his agent. (It’s also rumored that Kanter served as the inspiration for Jack Lemmon’s character in Billy Wilder’s 1960 film, “The Apartment.”)

Jay Ira Kanter was born on the 12th of December, 1926, in Chicago; his parents were Muriel (Gordon) and Harry Kanter. During his adolescent years, he resided in Los Angeles. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the Navy. Following World War II, he became a part of MCA, after completing his military service.

Following the talent agency’s acquisition of Universal Pictures in 1962, Kanter moved to London where he spent seven years approving movies for the studio that were produced in Europe. When Universal closed down its European divisions, he returned to the U.S. and partnered with industry executives Elliott Kastner and Alan Ladd Jr. to establish a production company.

During the 1970s and ’80s, Kanter and Ladd frequently collaborated at Fox, United Artists, and The Ladd Company. Together, they played significant roles in the production of hit films such as “Star Wars”, “Alien” and “Blade Runner”.

In addition, Kanter had a long-standing friendship with the comedy legend, Mel Brooks. During the 1990s, they frequently arranged weekly lunches for a group consisting of ex-Fox executives and filmmakers. Just a week prior to his passing, Kanter participated in one such Friday lunch gathering.

Today’s news is heartbreaking. Throughout my life, I’ve encountered many kind individuals, yet none kinder than Jay Kanter. If you knew him, you adored him. He was not merely a legendary agent; he was a steadfast friend, always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. While it may sound like a cliché, in Jay’s case, it rings especially true: he will be deeply missed.

Following the dissolution of his first two unions with Roberta Haynes and Judy Balaban, Kanter tied the knot for a third time in 1965, beginning a 49-year journey with Kit Bennett that ended with her passing in 2014.

As a dedicated cinephile, I can share that I’m blessed with a diverse family circle, much like the intricate plots of my favorite films. From my first union with Bennett, there’s my beloved son Adam Kanter. My third marriage brought forth another son, Michael Kanter. From my second matrimony, I have a cherished daughter named Amy Kanter. Three remarkable individuals, Tom, Dustin, and Cydney Bernard, are my stepchildren from the same union. Additionally, I am graced with ten grandchildren who light up my life. Sadly, my daughter Victoria Kanter Colombetti, from my second marriage, left us too soon in 2020.

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2024-08-30 23:01