Daniel Selznick, the son of legendary producer David O. Selznick and brother of Jeffrey Selznick, who played a pivotal role in chronicling the making of "Gone with the Wind," has died at the age of 88. As the last direct connection to a Hollywood family that shaped cinematic history, his passing marks the end of an era.
Daniel Selznick, the last direct link to a family that left an indelible mark on Hollywood's Golden Age, passed away on Thursday at the age of 88. As the younger son of famed "Gone with the Wind" producer David O. Selznick and theatrical producer Irene Mayer Selznick, he was born into a world of cinema royalty.
Born in Beverly Hills on May 18, 1936, Daniel inherited his family's passion for storytelling and embarked on a career in the entertainment industry. After graduating from Harvard University, he gained valuable experience as a production executive at Universal Studios.
The Last of a Hollywood Dynasty: Daniel Selznick, Producer and Scion of Film Royalty, Passes Away at 88
His significant contribution to Hollywood history came in 1988 with the production of the documentary "The Making of a Legend: ‘Gone with the Wind.'" Produced alongside his late older brother Jeffrey, the film earned a Peabody Award and offered a rare glimpse into the making of their father's Academy Award-winning masterpiece.
Daniel's father, David O. Selznick, produced other cinematic classics such as "Rebecca," "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," and "Duel in the Sun." His mother, Irene, produced the original Broadway production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" and was nominated for a Tony Award for her work on the play "The Chalk Garden."
The Last of a Hollywood Dynasty: Daniel Selznick, Producer and Scion of Film Royalty, Passes Away at 88
Beyond his work on "Gone with the Wind," Daniel produced several television movies, including "Blood Feud," "Night Drive," and "Reagan’s Way: Pathway to the Presidency," which he also directed. He also produced the miniseries "Hoover vs. the Kennedys: The Second Civil War."
His contributions to the entertainment world also extended to the theater, where he produced the play "The Man with the Perfect Wife" starring his stepmother, Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Jones.
The Last of a Hollywood Dynasty: Daniel Selznick, Producer and Scion of Film Royalty, Passes Away at 88
For several years, Daniel served as the director of the nonprofit organization Louis B. Mayer Foundation, established in honor of his maternal grandfather, the co-founder of MGM studios.
As the last of a Hollywood dynasty, Daniel Selznick's passing leaves a void in an era that shaped the American cinematic landscape. His memoir, "Walking With Kings," which is set to be published next year by Alfred Knopf, will provide a glimpse into his experiences and the legacy of his extraordinary family.
Married three times, Daniel Selznick had no immediate survivors.
