91-year-old American actor Mark Damon passes away.
In the 1950s, Mark Damon kickstarted his acting career in Hollywood. However, he found greater success in Rome where he filmed numerous Italian westerns and adventure movies. He also made a name for himself as a producer. Recently, on May 12, the 91-year-old actor passed away.
Mark Damon, a US actor, was reported to have died on May 12 by "Variety", citing his wife. He entered the acting industry in Hollywood in the 1950s, but relocated to Europe in 1963. Here, he made a mark as a producer and sales manager.
One of his earliest significant accomplishments was the movie "Young and Dangerous" (1957). Three years later, he starred in "The Cursed", earning him a Golden Globe for Best Newcomer. From 1963 onwards, he became an industrious player in Rome, starring in countless Italian westerns and adventure movies such as "Johnny Yuma" (1966) and "The Fiery Arrow of Vengeance" (1970).
Following his return to the US, Damon pivoted from actor to film producer. He established his own production company, Producers Sales Organization, to facilitate international distribution of independent American films. Additionally, he co-founded the American Film Market and the Independent Film & Television Alliance. Damon's handprint is found in over 70 films, including the US rendition of "Das Boot", "9 1/2 Weeks", and "Monster", for which Charlize Theron secured an Oscar for Best Actress.
Cannes Regular
Damon reminisced with "Variety" in 2013 about how he cultivated his independent film business. "Back then, in 1975, it was difficult. Often, producers would receive financing from private sources. They couldn't use international contracts as collateral. Our industry is the one that came up with this concept." Otherwise, there wouldn't have been any major-budget films created by independents.
At the grand age of 91, Damon maintained his passion for his work. For over 40 years, Damon attended the Cannes Film Festival annually, describing his experiences there in 2015 as "17 hours of work a day."
Damon is survived by his second wife, Maggie Markov Damon, son Jonathan, and daughter Alexis. His first marriage was to German actress Barbara Frey.
Read also:
- Lifestyle 2023 from "Breathless" to cinnamon buns
- Unanimous decision: faster wolf culls possible
- New Year's Eve fireworks: What applies in other countries?
- Ban on New Year's Eve fireworks: no bangs here
Mark Damon's passing in Hollywood this year was a significant loss to the entertainment industry, given his contributions as an actor, producer, and pioneer in independent filmmaking. Despite his international success, his death marked the end of an era in Hollywood's storied history of deaths and legendary figures.
Source: www.ntv.de
