Albert S Ruddy, a renowned Canadian-American film and TV producer, passed away at the age of 94. Known for his illustrious career that included winning Oscars for iconic films such as The Godfather and "Million Dollar Baby," Ruddy's death was reported by The Hollywood Reporter. He breathed his last at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles after being admitted for a brief illness, as announced by his family through a publicist.
Ruddy's contributions to the entertainment industry were vast and varied. He co-created the popular CBS sitcom "Hogan's Heroes" and was one of the creators behind the long-running CBS police drama "Walker, Texas Ranger." His filmography includes significant works like "The Longest Yard," which saw him collaborate with Burt Reynolds. This partnership extended to other films such as "The Cannonball Run" and its sequel in 1984.
In addition to these notable projects, Ruddy produced "Bad Girls" (1994), the first Western featuring an all-female lead cast that included Madeleine Stowe, Mary Stuart Masterson, Andie MacDowell, and Drew Barrymore. He also produced "The Scout" (1994), a baseball comedy starring Albert Brooks and Brendan Fraser, and "Matilda" (1978), a comedy featuring Elliott Gould and a boxing kangaroo, which he also wrote. However, not all his projects were without controversy. His film "Coonskin" (1975), an animated/live-action comedy about racial relations directed by Ralph Bakshi, faced protests and was labeled racist, leading Paramount to withdraw its distribution despite Ruddy's prior successes.
Ruddy's extensive producing credits also include "Death Hunt" (1981), "Megaforce" (1982), "Lassiter" (1984) starring Tom Selleck, the Rodney Dangerfield soccer movie "Ladybugs" (1992), "Prisoners" (1996), "Mean Machine" (2001), "Camille" (2008), "Sabotage" (2014), and "Cry Macho" (2021). He further showcased his versatility by writing and producing "Cloud Nine" (2006).
Albert S. Ruddy was the rare combination of a producers mind with an artist’s soul. An unrelenting equal parts champion of both the talent in front of the screen and behind it. I learned so much portraying Al ” in “The Offer” and Al was always gracious with his time and his… pic.twitter.com/10wTs94WaC
— Miles Teller (@Miles_Teller) May 28, 2024
Ruddy is survived by his wife, Wanda McDaniel, a former journalist who managed Hollywood image for Giorgio Armani, his children John and Alexandra, his producing partner, and his son-in-law, screenwriter Abdullah Saeed. His family remembered him for his easy-going nature, undeniable comedic sense, and undying interest in people and storytelling. Reflecting on his legacy, they quoted some of his last words: "The game is over, but we won the game."
Albert S. Ruddy's career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both film and television. His ability to create and produce a wide array of beloved and memorable projects ensures that his contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
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