MGM’s distribution executive and renowned Hollywood icon Erik Lomis passed away on Wednesday at age 64. The cause of his death is still unknown. A household name in the film industry, his career spun for three decades, handling blockbuster movies and award-winning films.
Lomis was set to help MGM’s parent company Amazon Studios prepare for the release of Ben Affleck’s upcoming project, Air. A legend in the distribution department, Lomis was recently signed by Amazon to take a new deal.
MGM Distribution Executive Erik Lomis’ Passing Leaves A Huge Dent On The Industry
Mourning the loss of one of the biggest names in Hollywood business, Amazon heads Mike Hopkins, Jennifer Salke and Chris Brearton said in a statement (via THR):
“Erik was truly one of a kind and an icon in our industry. His passion was undeniable, and he has meant so much to so many over the years. We are all better for having known him.”
Warner Bros. Pictures co-chair and former MGM co-chief Pamela Abdy also expressed sorrow in her message:
“I am heartbroken by the loss of Erik. He was a champion of cinema and truly a loyal friend to all. I feel lucky to have worked with him during my time at MGM. He is a legend, and his impact on our community will be remembered forever.”
AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron was deeply disheartened by the news.
“Like just about everyone else who knew him, at AMC we were both shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing this morning of Erik Lomis. He was a giant in the field of theatrical exhibition. More than that, he was a really good human being.”
The revival of MGM to its newest form was all thanks to Lomis. Born on Nov. 21, 1958, in Philadelphia, the movie distributor started his career in the company from 1993-2011. He later worked at The Weinstein Company until 2016 serving as president of worldwide theatrical distribution, home entertainment, and acquisitions.
In 2022, he went back to MGM after its purchase by Amazon. He recently worked on the release of Michael B. Jordan’s Creed 3, and he was supposed to handle Ben Affleck’s Air. His passing has tremendously left a gap in the industry.
The Remarkable Legacy Of Erik Lomis In Hollywood
Erik Lomis’ passion for the film industry was rooted in his teenage years when he spent his after-school time working as a movie usher. His father has also greatly influenced him, who worked as a film buyer at Sameric and became a district manager at Embassy Pictures.
As a tactician, Lomis was not scared to try unconventional and creative techniques. He was known for being a box-office strategist who possessed the ability to stand firm on his ground despite differences and disagreements with his collaborators. This became Lomis’ signature when he moved to The Weinstein Company.
Ben Affleck’s upcoming film, Air, is expected to face a major dilemma after the sudden passing of the film’s distributor.
Lomis is survived by his wife, Patricia Laucella, his children, Natalia Jovovich, Nicole Rose Lomis, and Zach Lomis, his stepmother, Joanne Lomis, his sister Sandy McGuigan, and brother Charles Lomis.
Source: THR
