Stanley R. Jaffe

Biography

Stanley Richard Jaffe was an American film producer and studio executive known for his work on critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Born on July 31, 1940, in New York City, Jaffe became a prominent figure in Hollywood, producing films that ranged from intense dramas to thrillers. His keen eye for compelling storytelling and strong leadership in the film industry earned him both critical and commercial success.

Jaffe was the son of Leo Jaffe, a former president of Columbia Pictures, which gave him early exposure to the entertainment industry. After graduating from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, he entered the world of film production and quickly rose through the ranks.

Early Career

Jaffe began his career in the 1960s, working in various executive roles at major studios. By the early 1970s, he had established himself as a producer with a knack for delivering compelling, audience-driven stories. His first major production was "Goodbye, Columbus" (1969), a romantic comedy-drama based on Philip Roth's novella. The film was a success and marked the beginning of a long and influential career in Hollywood.

Breakthrough and Critical Success

Jaffe gained widespread recognition in the late 1970s and early 1980s with films that tackled serious and emotionally charged subjects. His most notable success came with "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979), a drama about a bitter custody battle starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. The film was a massive critical and commercial hit, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, making Jaffe an Oscar-winning producer.

Following this success, he continued producing high-quality films, including:

• "Taps" (1981) – A military school drama starring George C. Scott, Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, and Tom Cruise in one of his early roles.
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• "Without a Trace" (1983) – A drama about a mother searching for her missing son.
• "Fatal Attraction" (1987) – One of his biggest commercial hits, this psychological thriller starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close became a cultural phenomenon, earning multiple Oscar nominations and grossing over $300 million worldwide.
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Studio Leadership and Later Career

In addition to producing films, Jaffe held leadership roles in major Hollywood studios. In the early 1980s, he became President of Paramount Pictures, overseeing the production of several box office hits, including Flashdance (1983) and Terms of Endearment (1983). His tenure at Paramount helped solidify the studio's dominance in the industry during the decade.

Later, he partnered with actress Sherry Lansing to form Jaffe-Lansing Productions, producing films such as:

• "School Ties" (1992) – A drama starring Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck about antisemitism in an elite prep school.
• "The Accused" (1988) – A powerful courtroom drama starring Jodie Foster, which won her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Jaffe remained active in the industry throughout the 1990s, though he eventually stepped away from producing in the 2000s.

Legacy and Death

Stanley R. Jaffe’s impact on Hollywood was significant, with films that not only achieved commercial success but also explored deep and thought-provoking themes. His ability to produce both critically acclaimed dramas and crowd-pleasing thrillers made him one of the most respected producers of his time.

Jaffe passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 83. His contributions to cinema, particularly his role in shaping films like Kramer vs. Kramer and Fatal Attraction, ensure that his legacy in Hollywood remains enduring.