Paul Eckstein

Paul Eckstein (born 1963), beloved father, devoted husband, dutiful son, loyal friend, and celebrated storyteller unexpectedly passed peacefully in his sleep on June 6, 2023. He was larger than life and a force of nature with a kind heart and fierce passion. He was beloved by everyone who was lucky to know him.

Paul was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to Joan and Max Eckstein, who instilled in him the values of family, education, and creative expression. He was an only child but was deeply connected to his cousins and extended family.

He and his wife Hala were an electric pair - dynamic, beautiful and devoted to each other, their family, and their community. He was deeply loved and admired by his children, Sebastian, 15, and Marley, 12. He taught them to be kind and have integrity, to be strong with an open heart, and to work hard without having a big ego. As much personal success as he had, Paul was always committed to raising others up and ushering in the next generation of artists and activists. Extended family in Los Angeles and New Jersey will miss Paul's playful, heartfelt presence. His chosen family included friends he made over the decades - from New York theater to Hollywood television and film.

A born storyteller, Paul raised his boys on epic bedtime tales and dazzled audiences as a writer, actor and producer. He was dedicated to bringing cultural icons to life - carrying seriously the responsibility of depicting complex characters in deeply researched and nuanced historical contexts. As a film producer, Paul co-produced the MGM film, Hoodlum. He was the co-creator of Godfather of Harlem. Prior to that, Paul led the writer's room on the first year of the Netflix hit drama, Narcos. His other writing credits include Street Time, Law & Order Criminal Intent, and The Dead Zone. He valued deeply the creative partnerships he forged with fellow actors, writers, producers, and creative colleagues, drawing profound satisfaction from the work they did together. When Paul was not creating shows highlighting history, high stakes, and stories from people of color, he could be found mentoring the next generation of diverse storytellers.

Paul died too soon at the age of 59, and his absence will be felt by many. As we bid farewell to the brilliant force and light that was Paul Eckstein, we remember the multifaceted creative soul whose light touched so many lives. His artistic brilliance, unwavering love for his family, longstanding commitment to his friends and his remarkable creative talent as an actor and screenwriter will forever be cherished. Although his physical presence may be gone, his spirit will live on through the stories he shared, the love he gave, and the lasting memories he created.

He is survived by his sons Sebastian and Marley Eckstein, and his wife, Hala Khouri, as well as a host of extended family, friends, and colleagues globally.

May Paul's soul find eternal peace, and may his loved ones find solace in the profound impact he made on their lives. As we honor his memory, let us also celebrate the beautiful legacy he leaves behind-a legacy of creativity, love, and the enduring power of the stories he told.

Memorials will be planned for Los Angeles, Western Massachusetts, and New York and details will be shared as they become available.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Paul Eckstein Scholarship Fund at Get Lit (https://www.getlit.org/donate) or The Paul Eckstein Scholarship Fund at Ghetto Film School (https://www.ghettofilm.org/support-gfs). Please designate gifts in Memory of Paul Eckstein and they will be designated to the appropriate fund.