British Independent Film Producer Jeremy Thomas Passes Away at 77
Renowned British independent film producer Jeremy Thomas has died at 77. He produced over 80 films, including the Oscar-winning The Last Emperor and Eo.
The renowned British film producer Jeremy Thomas, a towering figure in independent cinema, passed away at the age of 77 at his home in Oxfordshire, surrounded by his family. Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, Thomas produced over 80 films, leaving an indelible mark on the global film industry.
A Legacy of Cinematic Masterpieces
Thomas was the driving force behind numerous critically acclaimed masterpieces. Among his most celebrated works is Bernardo Bertolucci's epic The Last Emperor, which swept the Academy Awards with nine Oscars, including Best Picture, alongside four Golden Globes. Their creative partnership spanned five films over 17 years. His impressive filmography also includes Jerzy Skolimowski’s Oscar-nominated Eo, David Cronenberg’s Crash, Jonathan Glazer’s directorial debut Sexy Beast, and Nagisa Oshima’s Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence starring David Bowie.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Film
Born in London in 1949 to a family of filmmakers—his father Ralph Thomas was a director, as was his uncle Gerald Thomas—he began his career in editing rooms before transitioning to production. In 1976, at the age of 27, he produced his first film, Mad Dog Morgan, in Australia. Shortly after, he founded the Recorded Picture Company and later co-founded HanWay Films. Thomas remained active until his final days, with his latest film, Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo, slated for a premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 14.
