Leonard Kornberg, a longtime Hollywood executive who helped bring films such as Paddington, The Mummy, King Kong, Hacksaw Ridge and Psycho to the screen, has died at the age of 75. He passed away on January 3; the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Career and contributions
Kornberg’s career in film began in the 1980s as a story analyst at Carson Productions before moving into analyst roles at Fox and Universal. He rose through the ranks at Universal, serving as Director of Development, Vice President of Production and ultimately Senior Vice President of Production.
Across his decades in development and production, Kornberg played a key role in shepherding a number of widely known films to the big screen, including Paddington, The Mummy, King Kong, Hacksaw Ridge and Psycho.
Illness and final years
According to a memorial page and reporting, Kornberg had been living with Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease (APBD), a rare progressive neurodegenerative condition, since 2001. The disease affected his mobility over time. Despite advancing illness, he adjusted his working methods, resuming story analysis at Universal and contributing as an uncredited producer and consulting producer for Canal Plus while bedridden.
Tributes and memorial
A webpage created for friends and colleagues to share recollections filled quickly with condolences and memories. Colleagues recalled Kornberg as a generous mentor and a passionate film-lover.
“Broken-hearted to hear this news and wish I spent more time with Lenny, but we worked together at Universal for 8 1/2 years from 1988-96. He was an incredible mentor and colleague to me. As others have said, a huge film geek, a really smart guy, a sweetheart and one of the most ethical people I’ve met,”
“My deepest condolences to all the Kornbergs. You don’t need me to tell you what a good and decent person Lenny was. He was always a good spirit to be around.
As a co-worker Lenny was smart and talented, his insights right on the money. His delivery came with a smile and wink of cynicism about how seriously we were all taking plot points and character shtick,”
“He knew how to make work fun. Sure, he was smart and capable and did great work. But he was also kind and generous of spirit. And he laughed at my jokes. I treasure his memory.”
One mourner posted an image of a candle with the words: “In loving memory of a beautiful soul. Our heartfelt condolences to your beloved family during this difficult time.” Others remembered Kornberg as “a class act all the way” and praised his warmth and humour.
A memorial webpage shared family images and served as a focal point for condolences; the page and public tributes underline Kornberg’s long-standing impact on colleagues and the film community. No place of death was disclosed in public notices.
Image Referance: https://www.themirror.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/hollywood-legend-dies-paddington-75-1649296