PAUL HELLER Obituary

HELLER--Paul M. The award-winning independent film producer Paul Heller was born in New York on September 25, 1927 and died of natural causes in Beverly Hills on December 28, 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 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. 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. 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 underserved 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.

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for PAUL HELLER

4 Entries

Antonio Rodriguez

June 11, 2023

Paul and I became good friends, I started helping him with projects such as sensible sages. We both clicked because we both came from a Film background. He welcomed me into his home, had me meet a bunch of his friends and even worked on pre-production for a big adventure film. He was a big inspiration and great friend. Real honest down to earth guy. You will be missed friend!

Simone Taylor

January 15, 2021

Prayers and fond memories are what you have to remember your dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.

Ken Maas

January 5, 2021

Paul hired me fresh out of AFI back in 1979. I assisted him doing pretty much anything that needed being done and then, in 1980 worked with him on the production of First Monday in October . During that time, Paul, hired Amy Feffer as his secretary. Amy and I were married in 1981 and kept in regular touch with Paul over the years. He loved us both and considered our marriage as one of his "best productions." He was such an important influence on both of our lives. I learned so much from him and considered him my mentor. His sense of humor, his caring nature and his ability to search out important stories are some of the things that come to mind when I think of Paul.

Paul, please know that you are close to our hearts and we will miss you so much.

Ken and Amy Maas

Jennifer Miller

January 3, 2021

I had the great fortune of being Paul’s assistant for a few years after I graduated college. I worked with him producing audio visual exhibits at the Skirball Cultural Center and on the film the Annihilation of Fish. He was generous and gave me many opportunities to broaden my knowledge and craft. I cannot forget his wry sense of humor and that mischievous smile!
I’m very sad to learn of his passing but was so glad to read how involved and busy he was up to the end. He was a good one and he will be missed.

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