R.I.P. Richard Fowkes

Veteran entertainment business affairs executive Richard Fowkes died yesterday in Los Angeles after a battle with brain cancer. He was 66. Most recently, Fowkes had been EVP of business affairs at Legendary Entertainment since 2007 after having spent a good portion of his career with Paramount Pictures.

Comments (27)

  • A total gentleman and fine lawyer. I dealt with him when I managed Eddie Murphy and during our days at Paramount.

    Comment by robert wachs — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 6:19am PDT  Reply to this post
  • What a loss! Truly one of the nicest human beings in the biz, with a lovely family to match.

    Comment by Liz Owen — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 7:03am PDT  Reply to this post
    • He was such a nice person at paramount.

      Comment by Jg — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 5:56pm PDT  Reply to this post
  • Such sad news. Richard was an incredible man. One of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

    Comment by Former Colleague — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 7:06am PDT  Reply to this post
  • He was a solid exec and, more importantly, a good man. He will be missed.

    Comment by foasher — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 7:26am PDT  Reply to this post
    • I completely agree with you. I have worked on the other sides of deals with Richard for a number of years, in NYC and LA. His passing is a great loss both personally and professionally.

      Comment by Judith Jecmen — Sunday August 19, 2012 @ 4:17pm PDT  Reply to this post
  • Richard was an incredible man. I had the great pleasure of working with him at Paramount. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

    Comment by Brian — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 9:10am PDT  Reply to this post
  • Richard was a true gentleman and consummate professional. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.

    Comment by VerySad — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 10:12am PDT  Reply to this post
  • Richard was one of the kindest, loving and most gentle people I have known. Yet he was an excellent negotiator, able to say “no” in the nicest way. During my 5 years as EVP of Business and Legal Affairs at Paramount, I was continually amazed at his knowledge of the business and his wonderful way of dealing with people. My heart goes out to his family. He is in a better place.

    Comment by E Barry Haldeman — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 10:19am PDT  Reply to this post
    • Barry,

      That was a lovely and correct tribute to Richard.

      Comment by Judith Jecmen — Sunday August 19, 2012 @ 4:18pm PDT  Reply to this post
  • Wow. I spent many an hour on the same side and on the opposite side of the table over the years and I can only think of one word that sums up this man for me, “Gentleman”. He was truly a class act and this entire town is lessened by his departure.

    Comment by Colleague — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 12:00pm PDT  Reply to this post
    • My consolences to Richard’s family, friends and colleagues. Richard was one of the finest and most respected, liked and admired executives in the business, He always had a kind word of encouragement and support, rare indeed in this town. What a tragic loss.

      Comment by Anonymous — Monday August 20, 2012 @ 3:45am PDT  Reply to this post
  • Richard was among the last of a breed of old school executives who was always a gentleman, always helpful when he could be, always returned your calls. A total pro, and still one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in or out of the business. I will miss him. He’s one of a kind. My thoughts go out to his loved ones.

    Comment by Rob McEntegart — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 12:12pm PDT  Reply to this post
  • Completely shocked by this news. Richard was one of the nicest people I have ever worked with. My condolences to his family.

    Comment by Jmay — Saturday August 18, 2012 @ 12:22pm PDT  Reply to this post
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