David Matalon, a founding member of TriStar Pictures and producer of films including “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and “Hear No Evil,” died Dec. 2 at his home in Beverly Hills. Variety learned. He was 82 years old.
Born in 1943, Matalon began his career at Columbia Pictures International. He worked his way up to executive vice president of the company before leaving to co-found TriStar Pictures. He served as president of TriStar Pictures during his tenure. Matalon led the strategic direction of TriStar and played an integral role in defining the company’s initial identity.
After leaving TriStar, Matalon led the day-to-day operations of Regency Enterprises. Under Matalon’s leadership, Regency produced such films as “LA Confidential,” “Heat,” “Fight Club,” “Unfaithful,” “Entrapment,” “The Fountain” and “Mr. & Mrs.” Smith.” During his twelve years with the company, Regency signed a 15-year exclusive distribution deal with 20th Century Fox. Matalon was an instrumental voice at Regency from 1995 to 2008. He eventually left the company to become an independent producer.
As an independent entity, Matalon has worked on and helped produce projects such as “Hear No Evil” with Marlee Matlin, Martin Sheen and DB Sweeney, “Breaking Up” with Salma Hayek and Russell Crowe, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” with Juliette Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, and “Color of Night.” Matalon served as executive producer on 2010’s “Bunraku,” which starred Josh Hartnett, Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson.
Matalon is survived by his two daughters, Michelle and Shirlee, his two brothers, Roy and Amnon, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
