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Howard W. Koch

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with Howard Koch (screenwriter).
Howard W. Koch
Koch in 1978
Born
Howard Winchel Koch

(1916-04-11)April 11, 1916
New York City, U.S.
DiedFebruary 16, 2001(2001-02-16) (aged 84)
Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Occupations
  • Director
  • producer
Spouse
Ruth Pincus
​
(m. 1937)​
[1]
Children2; including Hawk Koch
Relatives

Howard Winchel Koch (April 11, 1916 – February 16, 2001) was an American film producer and director. He served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was involved in the production and direction of numerous films throughout his career, including The Manchurian Candidate (1962), The Odd Couple (1968), Airplane! (1980) and its 1982 sequel, and Ghost (1990). At the 62nd Academy Awards, he was honored the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his "outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes".

Koch is the father of film producer Hawk Koch, and the great-grandfather of actor Cooper Koch and film editor Payton Koch.

Life and career

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Koch was born in New York City. His family was Jewish.[2] He attended DeWitt Clinton High School and the Peddie School in Hightstown, New Jersey.[3] He began his film career as an employee at Universal Studios office in New York then made his Hollywood filmmaking debut in 1947 as an assistant director. He worked as a producer for the first time in 1953 and a year later made his directing debut. In 1964, Paramount Pictures appointed him head of film production, a position he held until 1966 when he left to set up his own production company. He had a production pact with Paramount for over 15 years.[4]

Among his numerous television productions, Howard W. Koch produced the Academy Awards show on eight occasions. Dedicated to the industry, he served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1977 to 1979. In 1990, the Academy honored him with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 62nd Academy Awards and in 1991, he received the Frank Capra Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of America.

Together with actor Telly Savalas, Howard Koch owned the thoroughbred racehorse Telly's Pop, winner of several important California races for juveniles including the Norfolk Stakes and Del Mar Futurity.

Howard W. Koch suffered from Alzheimer's disease and died in at his home in Beverly Hills, California on February 16, 2001.[5][6] He had two children from a marriage of 64 years to Ruth Pincus, who died in March 2009.[7] In 2004, his son Hawk Koch was elected to the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Filmography

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Director

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Film (director)

Television (director)

Producer

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Film (producer):

Television (producer)

References

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  1. ^ "Howard W. Koch, Jr. Biography (1945-)". Film Reference. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
  2. ^ Sperling, Nicole; Julie Makinen (August 1, 2012). "How did new Academy president Hawk Koch get his unusual name?". Los Angeles Times.
  3. ^ "Howard W. Koch Collection". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on December 3, 2007. Retrieved February 27, 2011. Howard W. Koch (1916-2001) was born in New York City. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School in New York and Peddie Preparatory School in Hightstown, New Jersey.
  4. ^ "Spent 15 Years At Studio, More To Come; Koch On 5th Paramount Contract". Variety. October 14, 1971. p. 7.
  5. ^ Dutka, Elaine (February 17, 2001). "Howard W. Koch; Producer, Director, Academy President". Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  6. ^ Galloway, Doug (February 16, 2001). "Producer Howard Koch dead at 84". Variety. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  7. ^ "Ruth Koch dies at 90". Variety. Associated Press. March 3, 2009. Archived from the original on June 14, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
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Non-profit organization positions
Preceded by President of Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences
1977-1979 		Succeeded by
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