David Weitzner, a visionary force in Hollywood marketing who shaped the promotional success of cinematic giants like "Star Wars" and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," has died at the age of 86.
According to Deadline, Weitzner passed away on Sept. 1, 2025, at his home in Calabasas, California, after a brief illness, leaving behind an indelible legacy in film marketing and education, as announced by the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.
Born and raised in New York City, Weitzner’s journey in entertainment began at Grey Advertising. There, he climbed the ranks to become vice president and general manager of the Entertainment Division. In this role, he managed key accounts for Warner Bros. and ABC Pictures.
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Weitzner took on a significant role in worldwide marketing at ABC and Palomar Pictures International, under Edgar Scherick. He spearheaded promotional efforts for notable films like "They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?" and "Sleuth." His campaigns also included "The Heartbreak Kid" and "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three."
In 1976, Weitzner relocated to Los Angeles to join 20th Century Fox as vice president of worldwide marketing. At Fox, he oversaw the groundbreaking marketing for "Star Wars," a film that redefined blockbuster cinema. He also led campaigns for "Alien" and the critically acclaimed "Breaking Away."
By 1979, Weitzner transitioned to Universal Pictures, taking the helm as president of worldwide marketing. His tenure there saw the launch of iconic promotions for "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," a cultural phenomenon. He also managed marketing for "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "The Blues Brothers," and "Coal Miner’s Daughter."
Later, Weitzner joined Embassy Pictures, where he directed marketing for unique films like "This Is Spinal Tap." He also handled campaigns for "Eddie and the Cruisers" and the U.S. release of Ingmar Bergman’s "Fanny and Alexander," which won a Golden Globe. When the Embassy was put up for sale, he briefly returned to 20th Century Fox to lead marketing efforts.
During his second stint at Fox, Weitzner supervised campaigns for hits like "Romancing the Stone" and "Cocoon." Following this, he was recruited by Jerry Weintraub’s Weintraub Entertainment Group as head of worldwide marketing. There, he played a key role in acquiring Luc Besson’s "The Big Blue" for distribution.
Weitzner returned to Universal in a new capacity as president of worldwide marketing for the MCA/Universal Studios Recreation Services Group. He held this position until 1998, managing marketing for Universal theme parks in Hollywood and Orlando. His responsibilities also included Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Cinemas, which was the top-grossing motion picture complex in the U.S.
After leaving Universal, Weitzner dedicated much of his later career to education, teaching the business of entertainment as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. He served for decades in this role, inspiring countless students with his industry insights. In 2016, he was honored as the chairholder of the Mark Burnett Endowed Chair for the Summer Production Program.
Alongside teaching, Weitzner consulted on marketing and strategy for major corporate clients like Honda Motors and PepsiCo. He also worked with Phillips Electronics North America, the American Film Institute, and the Children’s Television Workshop. His expertise extended beyond entertainment, showcasing his versatility in strategic planning.
Weitzner was deeply committed to philanthropy, advocating for the Landmark School for the Learning Disabled. His efforts earned him recognition from the City of Los Angeles and then-Mayor Richard Riordan. He was also honored by former President Bill Clinton for his contributions to the Red Cross.
A longtime member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Weitzner also chaired the MPAA’s Advertising/Publicity Committee from 1979 to 1981. His influence spanned decades, shaping how films were presented to global audiences. He left a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the academic world.
At the time of his passing, Weitzner was surrounded by family in his Calabasas home. He is survived by his wife, Joan, and his children, Jonathan Rosenthal, Dana Weitzner-Bergman, and Jason Weitzner. His grandchildren, Sam, Tyler, and Chloe, also mourn his loss. Weitzner’s career was marked by innovation in film marketing, from blockbusters to indie gems. His work not only elevated the visibility of iconic movies but also set standards for the industry. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of marketers and filmmakers alike.