Frank G. Mancuso Sr. Dies: Former Head Of Paramount Pictures & MGM Was 93

Frank G. Mancuso, Sr., the former film studio executive who headed both Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during the 1980s and ’90s, overseeing the release of such major box office hits as Top Gun, Fatal Attraction, The Untouchables, Coming to America and Ghost, died of cancer on Thursday, October 1, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 93.

His death was announced by his family, which includes his son, the producer Frank Mancuso, Jr.

Mancuso, whose expertise spanned sales, marketing, and distribution, served as chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures from 1984 to 1991, when the studio released the above-mentioned films. From 1993 to 1999 he headed MGM as it rebuilt its film and television operations and acquired Orion Pictures and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment.

“When God created Frank Mancuso Sr., he broke the mold,” said Andy Garcia, who landed his Oscar-nominated role in The Godfather III at Mancuso’s suggestion, said in a statement. “This is not just a saying but the absolute truth. Mr. Mancuso will forever be a beacon of class in our industry, the greatest example of warmth, integrity, and generosity. I had the blessing of his friendship, support, and guidance. I will miss him deeply and will continue to be inspired by his example. Rest in peace, ‘Pops.’”

Mancuso joined Paramount Pictures in 1962 as a sales executive in the company’s Buffalo branch, and ascended through the ranks over the next two decades, relocating to Toronto, New York City, and finally Los Angeles. His acumen for promotion, particularly in international markets, helped the commercial success of box-office smashes such as Saturday Night Fever and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Born Frank George Mancuso on July 25, 1933, in Buffalo, New York, Mancuso worked as an usher for Buffalo’s Lafayette Theater during his high school years, eventually assisting in the venue’s daily operations and programming for live events and screenings.

During his 45-year career as a film exec, Mancuso also served as governor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (1986) and later as secretary (1992). He was chairman of the Motion Picture and Television Fund corporate board from 2003 to 2010.

His family notes that his affable demeanor earned him the nickname “Gentleman Frank,” and that he knew the names of colleagues at every level, from the mailroom to the executive floor, and fostered a family-like atmosphere at the studios.

Mancuso married Frances (Fay) Susan Mauro, a fellow Buffalo native and childhood sweetheart, in 1957. She survives him, as do his son; daughter Maria Mancuso, a designer; daughter-in-law Kimberly Mancuso; grandchildren Noah Gersh, Emma Louise Ray, Giovanni Mancuso, Greta Harlan Gersh, Mila Rae Mancuso, and James Lily Frances Gersh; grandson-in-law Eric David Ray; and great-granddaughter Lucca Frances Ray.