Vale: Al Ruddy

Famed US producer Al Ruddy, best known for The Godfather, Hogan’s Heroes and Walker, Texas Ranger has died, aged 94.

He died on May 25^th at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to media reports.

According to a family statement, Ruddy “is remembered for his easy-going nature, his undeniable comedic sense, and his undying interest in people and the stories we tell. Amongst his last words: ‘The game is over, but we won the game.’”

Ruddy took a chance on The Godfather after making his mark in television.

Born in Montreal, he was raised in New York City and worked as a programmer at Rand Corporation. But he dreamed of bigger ambitions, producing Hogan’s Heroes (1965 – 71) which he co-created, before producing Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, secretly dealing with the Italian mob to get the story to screen. It would go on to land 11 nominations, winning 5, with Ruddy later portrayed by actor Miles Teller in The Offer.

“It was an honor and a privilege to portray Al in The Offer. Al lived a life most could only dream of and all would envy,” said Teller.

Al Pacino said in a statement, “Al Ruddy was absolutely beautiful to me the whole time on The Godfather’ even when they didn’t want me, he wanted me. He gave me the gift of encouragement when I needed it most and I’ll never forget it.”

He also produced Million Dollar Baby, Little Fauss and Big Halsy, Making It, The Longest Yard, The Cannonball Run, Matilda, Cry Macho and co-created Walker, Texas Ranger.

The Offer director Dexter Fletcher also said, “Al was truly one of the great Hollywood mavericks. One of the last Mohicans who created great movies which still influence and inspire to this day. From humble beginnings to the highest of Hollywood accolades. His was an incredible journey. Achieved through the sheer power of his determination, strong will, irrepressible energy and charm and a rarely matched love for the art of film.”

Source: Variety