Jerry Weintraub died Monday at age 77 of cardiac arrest in Santa Barbara.
The legendary producer worked with everyone from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to Led Zeppelin and George Clooney. He is perhaps most well known for producing "Karate Kid" and the "Ocean's Eleven" franchise starring Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon.
"Weintraub was the considered the ultimate showman and a guy who seemed to know and had worked with literally everyone. And over decades," notes Deadline.
The three-time Emmy winner, who was executive producing the HBO political comedy "The Brink" at the time of his death, was also the star of HBO documentary "His Way" and wrote the autobiography "When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead."
After news of Weintraub's death, his close celebrity friends released statements:
George Clooney:
"In the coming days there will be tributes, about our friend Jerry Weintraub. We’ll laugh at his great stories, and applaud his accomplishments. And in the years to come the stories and accomplishments will get better with age, just as Jerry would have wanted it. But not today. Today our friend died. To his family and friends, Amal and I send our love. And to those who didn’t know him we send our deepest sympathy. You would have loved him."
Brad Pitt:
"He was an absolute original. I loved him and will genuinely miss him."
Many other celebrities and Hollywood execs took to social media to mourn the loss:
Jerry Weintraub is larger than life. He was a giant in Hollywood & his heart was so big it lit up the town. My thoughts are with his family.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) July 6, 2015
Shocked to learn of the passing of Jerry Weintraub. I just saw him last week. This is a great loss to show business, what a legend.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) July 6, 2015
Sent George Bush note after insult on Carson. President invited me 2 dinner "because Jerry Weintrab says you're a nice guy" RIPJerryWeintrab
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) July 6, 2015
J Weintraub also passed away! RIP.. Truly incredible man. His book - essential reading for anyone interested in the entertainment industry.
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) July 6, 2015
So sad at loss of Jerry Weintraub, you were 1 of a kind, my friend. Last of a breed. So glad I got to be "that kid"pic.twitter.com/ebN7p8ptUL
— Ralph Macchio (@ralphmacchio) July 6, 2015
R.I.P Jerry Weintraub
— Don Cheadle (@IamDonCheadle) July 6, 2015
Thank you Jerry Weintraub for some of the greatest shows we've ever seen on Earth. There will only be ONE Jerry Weintraub.
— rachael ray (@rachaelray) July 6, 2015
Just heard Jerry Weintraub has died. He was a giant and a good friend. No Jerry, no "Diner" No "Karate Kid"... And a lot less fun. RIP.
— Paul Reiser (@PaulReiser) July 6, 2015
Never again will the movie business see a man like #JerryWeintraub . One of the greatest producers, and men, of all time. #rip
— Kevin Zegers (@KevinZegers) July 6, 2015
I'll miss Jerry Weintraub. Sad that he died. He was one of the smartest, funniest, sharpest men I have ever met. And understood everything.
— Brian Koppelman (@briankoppelman) July 6, 2015
To my great sorrow, my friend and former producerJerry Weintraub has died suddenly. He was loved And admired. God bless him.
— William Friedkin (@WilliamFriedkin) July 6, 2015SEE ALSO: PAUL MCCARTNEY: I was frustrated that John Lennon became ‘The Beatles’ after his death
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