Hollywood weighs in on Valenti's passing (THR, DHD, LAT)

By Nancy Vialatte

Hollywood and Washington heavies weighed in yesterday with comments on Valenti:

Rep. Ed Markey:

"Though short in stature, Jack Valenti was a giant. He moved from the White House to 'Casablanca' without blinking an eye. He traveled through life across the arc of politics and entertainment, from Texas to Washington to Hollywood, in a way never achieved before and unlikely to be seen again." (THR)

Valenti's successor, MPAA chairman and CEO Dan Glickman:

"Jack was a showman, a gentleman, an orator and a passionate champion of this country, its movies and the enduring freedoms that made both so important to this world. He also embodied the theatricality of our industry with his conviction, quick wit and boundless energy. In a very real sense, he was the ultimate leading man." (THR)

Rep. Howard Berman:

"I can't think of another industry that has had a representative so well known and so highly regarded or one so accessible in spite of his considerable fame. A call to Jack was often returned from Geneva or China or Cannes, but it was always returned within hours. He was much more, though, than a lobbyist." (THR)

DGA president Michael Apted:

"Movies meant more to Jack than just boxoffice and balance sheets. He was a true fan of the art form, and he cherished his kinship with directors and other creative artists." (THR)

IFTA president and CEO Jean Prewitt:

"I've known Jack for more than 25 years as a colleague, friend and mentor. He was the absolute consummate gentleman who loved every facet of our industry and its people -- no matter what their role in the business. We'll never forget Jack and his legacy. There will never be anyone like him." (THR)

Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros:

"Today, my heart is truly heavy. I have lost a dear friend and mentor -- someone who not only made a mark in history, but also had a profound impact on my life. Jack Valenti was a true leader and gentleman whose wit, fire and passion for our business inspired everyone regardless of politics or opinion, background or belief. Jack�s love for his country and the entertainment industry was only overshadowed by his love for his family and the many charitable organizations to which he was devoted. On behalf of all my colleagues at Warner Bros, our heartfelt condolences are with Mary Margaret, his children, grandchildren and the millions and millions of people who were directly or indirectly touched by Jack." (DHD)

Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairmen Michael Lynton and Amy Pascal:

"Jack Valenti truly was a Renaissance man -- a gifted orator, a brilliant political strategist, a visionary business leader. He certainly loved the movies and public service, and reached the pinnacle in both arenas. But most important, he loved life, and lived it to the fullest. Jack was eloquent, indefatigable, passionate and wise. Perhaps a fitting way to describe Jack is to say this man is rated �G� � for Greatness. We will miss him, and our prayers are with his family." (DHD)

Walt Disney president and CEO Bob Iger:

"Jack was one of a kind. He was not only an incredible champion for the movie industry, but a man of great intelligence, integrity and humor with an uncanny ability to turn great thoughts into great words. The love he had for his family, his country and the industry was extraordinary. He will be missed by all those who knew him.� (DHD)

Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios:

"All of us in the motion picture industry owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Jack Valenti and mourn his passing. For nearly four decades, he faithfully and vigorously protected the rights of the film community, and was the most eloquent spokesperson that Hollywood ever could have hoped for. In addition to his role in creating the film rating system, he sought to protect intellectual properties and ensure that new technologies had the proper and necessary safeguards. Jack was a legendary figure whose wisdom and influence benefited Hollywood and the world. On a personal note, I considered him a friend and mentor. Our sympathies go out to Mary Margaret and his family." (DHD)

Peter Chernin, president and COO of News Corp.:

"There will never be another Jack Valenti. He was known the world over for his keen intelligence, steely confidence and infallible style. But to those of us who knew him well, he will be remembered as a man of enormous passion and humility. A man who genuinely cared about doing the right thing and who never looked away when someone was in need. Jack was a treasured colleague whom I deeply respected and I will forever miss his warm friendship and wise counsel. On behalf of my colleagues at Fox, our thoughts go out to Jack�s wife Mary Margaret and his entire family." (DHD)

Sherry Lansing, former Paramount Pictures chairwoman:

"It's the end of an era. He was one of the greatest leaders our industry ever had. He was one of those unique individuals who could build consensus�He was your biggest cheerleader. He was always there. He had no envy or guile." (LAT)