Oscar-Winning Producer Behind ‘The Godfather’ Fred Roos Dies At 89

Oscar-winning producer Fred Roos, best known for producing the hit 1974 film “The Godfather Part II” and for helping stars like Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise launch their careers, passed away this week at the age of 89.

Roos’s death was confirmed just days after the release of his latest film titled “Megalopolis,” which was produced alongside Francis Ford Coppola and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this year.

Roos and Coppola worked alongside each other for over fifty years. Their collaboration began while working together on “The Godfather,” where he served as an advisor to Al Pacino and James Caan. The two collaborated on other films, such as “Apocalypse Now,” as well as parts II and III of “The Godfather.”

Coppola released a statement to social media following the loss of his friend.

“Fred Roos possessed a casting instinct that was near infallible,”“He was a great lifelong friend and collaborator with above all a true love for movies.”

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Roos was also known for having an eye for talent and even helped stars such as Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise launch their careers.

“It’s always kind of intangible. Just a feeling I have about somebody,” Roos said of his ability to spot talent in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2016. “A lot of people that I’ve been associated with are like that. Jack Nicholson. Harrison. They don’t quite fit any mold.”

The stories about his impact on some of the biggest films of all time, from the Godfather trilogy to “Star Wars,” are the stuff of Hollywood legend. While developing “Star Wars,” George Lucas asked Roos for his thoughts. Lucas got the screenplay back from Roos with several names scribbled on it: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and James Earl Jones. Roos also helped assemble the young casts for Lucas’ “American Graffiti” and “The Outsiders,” introducing wide audiences to the likes of Cruise, Ford, Diane Lane, Richard Dreyfuss, Rob Lowe, Matt Dillon and Patrick Swayze.

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Roos was born on May 22, 1934, in Santa Monica, California. After graduating from the renowned Hollywood High School, Fred attended UCLA, where he graduated in 1956. After graduation, Fred was drafted into the Army and went on to serve two tours in Korea.

Roos’ breakthrough film came in 1968 with the release of “Petunia,” an infidelity drama that quickly gained popularity.

Rest in peace!