Richard Kahn, Former AMPAS President and Studio Marketing Exec, Dies at 95

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Richard Kahn, an advertising professional with a long history, who held the position of President at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1988 to 1989, passed away on Saturday in Los Angeles. He was 95 years old.

Sharon Kahn and Lisa Kahn Feldstern shared that our father possessed a gentle, giving spirit, had an amusing wit, and was an exceptional parent. They expressed they will deeply mourn his absence.

With great sadness, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang announced the passing of Richard. As a cherished member of our Academy and the broader film community, Richard made significant contributions throughout his tenure on the board, first as our President and later as a governor for numerous years. He was instrumental in shaping traditions that endure today. His influence, through his vision and leadership, will forever be remembered. In this difficult time, our thoughts are with his family.

Throughout a career spanning six decades, Kahn managed marketing strategies at Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with notable projects such as “The Bridge on the River Kwai”, “The Guns of Navarone”, “Lawrence of Arabia”, “A Man for All Seasons”, “Funny Girl”, “Oliver!”, “The Sunshine Boys”, “Network” and “Clash of the Titans” under his supervision.

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Kahn, over a 60-year career, was responsible for marketing campaigns at Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with films like “The Bridge on the River Kwai”, “The Guns of Navarone”, “Lawrence of Arabia”, “A Man for All Seasons”, “Funny Girl”, “Oliver!”, “The Sunshine Boys”, “Network” and “Clash of the Titans” being among those he oversaw.

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For six decades, Kahn handled marketing campaigns at Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with “The Bridge on the River Kwai”, “The Guns of Navarone”, “Lawrence of Arabia”, “A Man for All Seasons”, “Funny Girl”, “Oliver!”, “The Sunshine Boys”, “Network” and “Clash of the Titans” being some of the films he worked on.

1964 saw him enroll at the Academy, specifically in the Marketing and Public Relations Division. For a span of 15 years, he was an active member on the Branch’s Executive Committee. Throughout this period, he held various leadership roles. He served as president for some time, and also spent 12 years as an Academy governor. Additionally, he undertook five terms as Vice President and one term as Secretary.

At the academy, he played a significant role in initiating events like welcome receptions for new members and led the Public Relations Coordinating Committee. This committee was responsible for organizing the Nominees Luncheon, which took place in 1982.

Originating from New Rochelle, New York, Kahn completed his education at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Later, he served during the Korean War.

1975 saw him joining MGM, eventually rising through the ranks to serve as the President of MGM International and assuming the role of Executive Vice President of Marketing for both MGM and United Artists.

In 1983, he established a film promotion business alongside his wife Marianne Kahn, simultaneously serving as an adjunct professor at USC’s Peter Stark Producing Program until 1989. Additionally, he held the position of executive chairman for the Film Information Council and was part of the board of directors for the Will Rogers Memorial Fund.

He leaves behind his two daughters, Sharon Kahn and Lisa Kahn Feldstern, as well as his son-in-law, Judge Daniel Feldstern. Additionally, he has a grandson named Nick Fasulo-Feldstern, who is married to Jenn Fasulo-Feldstern.

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2025-04-10 01:47