Frank Price, the distinguished writer-producer who transitioned from television Westerns to leadership roles at Universal Studios and Columbia Pictures, passed away on Monday at the age of 95.
Price died peacefully in his sleep at his residence in Santa Monica, as confirmed by his son, Roy Price, former president of Amazon Studios.
As a guiding force in cinema, Frank Price was instrumental in the development of acclaimed films including the Oscar-winning **Kramer vs. Kramer** (1979), **Gandhi** (1982), and **Out of Africa** (1985), along with blockbuster hits like **Tootsie** (1982), **Ghostbusters** (1984), **The Karate Kid** (1984), **Back to the Future** (1985), **Boyz n the Hood** (1991), and **A League of Their Own** (1992).
Earlier in his career, Price cultivated his talents at Universal Television for nearly two decades, fostering iconic series like **The Virginian**. He helped launch pivotal television programs, including **Kojak**, **The Six Million Dollar Man**, and **Battlestar Galactica**, while nurturing influential made-for-TV movies and miniseries such as **That Certain Summer** and **Rich Man, Poor Man**.
Price credited his time spent working alongside Roy Huggins, the creator behind legendary series like **Maverick** and **The Fugitive**, as foundational to his growth in the industry. He later married Huggins’ daughter, actress Katherine Crawford, who survives him along with his sons, David and Will, and 14 grandchildren.
Notably, Price was among the few top Hollywood executives with a writing background, advocating for a financial strategy that prioritized securing high-caliber talent to ensure box office success—an approach that perplexed many peers.
In the early 1980s, Price undertook the ambitious task of producing **Gandhi**, despite skepticism regarding its commercial viability. He strategically delayed the film’s release to generate interest, resulting in substantial media coverage from **The New York Times** and ultimately leading to its acclaim, including eight Academy Awards.
Conversely, his instinct to place **E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial** on turnaround due to budget concerns remains a cautionary tale in Hollywood.
Born on May 17, 1930, in Decatur, Illinois, Price’s formative years were spent on the Warner Bros. lot, where his mother worked as a waitress. He later transitioned to Michigan, serving as editor of his high school newspaper while working at **The Flint Journal**.
After his service in the U.S. Navy, he pursued higher education at Columbia University—a decision shaped by his early experiences in Hollywood, which he found overwhelming due to its scale. His initial foray into entertainment began as a clerk in CBS Television’s story department, evolving into a successful career as a writer and producer.
Price’s notable tenure at Columbia Pictures commenced in 1978 amidst controversies, yet he flourished, steering the studio to successes with movies like **The Blue Lagoon** (1980), **Stir Crazy** (1980), and **Tootsie** (1982). His legacy continued to evolve, overseeing significant films during his second period with Columbia and fostering the career of **Boyz n the Hood** director John Singleton.
In his later years, Price was a significant figure in educating new talent, serving as chairman of the board of councilors at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and participating in the National Council on the Arts from 2007-2013 after being nominated by President George W. Bush.
Frank Price leaves behind a remarkable legacy, with his contributions reverberating through the film and television industries. He is survived by his sons David and Will, and 14 grandchildren; two sons, Michael and Stephen, predeceased him.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.