Academy Awards Producer Gil Cates Dies on UCLA Campus

Halloween was a sad day for the entertainment industry and UCLA community. Gilbert "Gil" Cates, founding dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and producing director at the Geffen Playhouse, died at age 77 yesterday on the UCLA campus.

Cate's entertainment roster appears almost endless. He was considered an entertainment leader, received numerous awards, produced and directed feature films, TV specials and Broadway and off-Broadway plays plus produced 14 Academy Awards shows over the span of 18 years. His Oscars involvement garnered him Emmy awards and nominations.

Academy President Tom Sherak said, "Gil was our colleague, our friend and a former governor of the Acaedemy," reports NBC LA. Sherak added, "He was a consummate professional who gave the Academy and the world some of the most memorable moments in Oscar history."

Teri Schwartz, dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, said, "Our entire TFT community is overwhelmingly saddened by the loss of our beloved mentor, colleague and friend," according to UCLA Newsroom. She continued:

Today we mourn our great loss but also celebrate Gil's extraordinary vision and countless contributions, not only to TFT as founding dean and distinguished professor but to the entertainment and performing arts industries and the education of our students, who benefited from his remarkable talent, insights, generosity, experience and wisdom. Our deepest condolences and love go out to Gil's beloved family at this very difficult time.

The L.A. County coroner is currently investigating Cates' death. Emergency medical personnel responded to a campus call around 5:50pm on Monday. They were unable to revive Cates.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Judith Reichman, four children, two stepchildren and six grandchildren.

Check out Cates' biography on the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television website.