Paul M. Heller

1927 - 2020

The award-winning independent film producer Paul Heller was born in New York on Sept. 25, 1927 and died of natural causes in Beverly Hills on Dec. 29, 2020. He lived a long life filled with creativity, success, love, friendships, and joy. After serving in WWII, Paul attended Hunter College and Drexel Institute of Technology. Paul began his career in the entertainment industry working behind the scenes at the Westport Country Playhouse. His work in theater and TV commercials led to his debut as a film producer with the movie 'David and Lisa' which received two Oscar nominations and innumerable awards. His career included producing over 30 feature films, including: 'Enter the Dragon', the martial arts film starring Bruce Lee; 'Secret Ceremony' starring Mia Farrow and Elizabeth Taylor; 'First Monday in October'; and the critically-acclaimed British film, 'Withnail and I'. Paul produced the first made-for-TV feature film, 'Falcon's Gold' as well as 'Pygmalion'. He continued to have a number of film projects in development in 2020. Paul was a member of the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the United Scenic Artists, The Directors Guild, and the Screen Actors Guild. Paul was also a pioneer in the field of multimedia presentations. His productions include 'The New York Experience' which played for 16 years at Rockefeller Center and 'The South Street Venture', a popular attraction for 7 years at the dockland of New York City. He was especially proud to have had the opportunity to create audiovisual and multimedia exhibits for the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. In addition to his success in the entertainment industry, Paul devoted countless hours to non-profit community and entertainment industry organizations. Paul served for many years as a Member of the Board of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts where his contributions included helping to bring current films and entertainment industry professionals to under-served communities in Los Angeles. He was one of the founders of the very successful non-profit 'Inner City Shakespeare Ensemble' which brings entertainment industry professionals into Los Angeles schools to help students realize their own special talents and perform with style and substance. At the age of 90 Paul founded the Sensible Sages, and served as the Chairman. He greatly enjoyed working with the non-profit to bring together mature creative thinkers and providing outlets and direction for their creative wit, wisdom, and special knowledge to benefit the community of Los Angeles. His work in film, television, and multimedia provided Paul with opportunities to explore the world and make life-long dear friends everywhere he went. When he wasn't working or volunteering, his creativity and spirit for adventure let Paul to acquire a wide variety of skills, including woodworking, scuba diving, skiing, and he also became a licensed glider pilot. Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Kathy Zebrowski Heller; their son Charles and his wife Madison Heller-Shipley; and a son from a previous marriage, Michael Heller. For the health and safety of family and friends a celebration of his life will be held at a future date, so his family asks that you enjoy a toast to Paul and happy times shared.