Hollywood Director, Producer, Executive with Early Ties Dies at 88

Daniel Mayer Selznick, a significant connection to Hollywood’s foundational families, passed away from natural causes on August 1 at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, California. He was 88 years old.

Selznick had been a cherished resident of the retirement home for a long time, where he played a crucial role in overseeing the construction of the Louis B. Mayer Theater. He also spoke at the opening of the remodeled theater complex in 2017.

During his stay at the Motion Picture Home, Selznick authored a memoir titled Walking with Kings, which is set to be published next year by Alfred Knopf. The book provides a vivid account of his experiences growing up as a young prince of Hollywood.

Daniel was the younger son of the iconic film producer David O. Selznick and theatrical producer Irene Mayer Selznick. His lineage also includes his grandfather, MGM mogul Louis B. Mayer, and his first wife, Margaret Shenberg Mayer. Daniel Selznick was raised in Beverly Hills.

He completed his education at the George School and Harvard University. He then attended the University of Geneva and pursued graduate studies at Brandeis University.

Selznick spent much of his life in and around the entertainment industry. He worked as a production executive at Universal Studios for four years. In 1988, he and his older brother Jeffrey, who passed away in 1997, produced the Peabody Award-winning documentary The Making of a Legend: ‘Gone with the Wind.

The documentary detailed their father’s creation of one of America’s most beloved and highest-grossing films. At the time their father made Gone with the Wind, Jeffrey and Daniel were just 6 and 3 years old, respectively.

Daniel also produced several television mini-series, including Blood Feud and Hoover vs. the Kennedys.

For many years, he served as the director of the Louis B. Mayer Foundation.

Selznick was a vocal supporter of the arts and frequently spoke at film retrospectives. He was often available to answer questions from film historians regarding his extensive knowledge of Hollywood.

He also found success as a theatrical producer, presenting his beloved stepmother, Jennifer Jones, in the light comedy The Man with the Perfect Wife.

Selznick had been married three times but has no immediate survivors. Donations in his memory may be made to MPTF.

Source: Various