FRANK CAPRA Jr.

FRANK CAPRA Obituary

Frank Capra Jr., son of the legendary Hollywood director, who rose through the ranks to become a movie producer and for the last decade was president of EUE Screen Gems Studios, died on December 19, 2007, of prostate cancer at the age of 73.
Frank first came to Wilmington as a producer in 1983 to scout locations for "Firestarter," a 1984 film starring Drew Barrymore. The picture's executive producer, Dino De Laurentiis, was so taken with the area that he built what is now the EUE Screen Gems Studio complex on 23rd Street. The George Cooney family bought the operation in 1997 and brought Frank back to Wilmington as president of the renamed EUE Screen Gems Studios.
Frank was active in the international film industry and the local community. In 1999, he was granted a star on Wilmington's "Walk of Fame." That same year, UNCW awarded him an honorary doctorate of fine arts for his contributions as the Distinguished Visiting Professor of Film Studies. He was a member of the Governor's Film Council and helped pass the state film incentive program that has brought new life to the film business in the state and Wilmington. He was vice-chairman of the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Director's Guild of America, of which his father was a founding member. The DGA recognized Frank with a special award in 2001 for his efforts to promote filmmaking in North Carolina. He was the honorary grand marshal of the North Carolina Azalea Festival parade in 2005. The UNCW Alumni Association named him "Citizen of the Year" for 2007.
Frank Capra, Jr. remained president of EUE Screen Gems Studios, which has nine soundstages and is the largest film production center east of California, until his death. A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. this Tuesday, February 12, at Thalian Hall.

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Published by Star-News from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for FRANK CAPRA

6 Entries

TOM LIPPI

May 13, 2023

After returning from my trip to my Grandma's birthplace, and my Great Grandparents original hometown; Bisacquino, Sicily. I received a letter from Frank thanking me for visiting his father's birthplace! It was a privilege to hear from him. He did so much in the film industry. It makes me think, " It's a Wonderful Life"!! I still watch "The Rifleman" on television.
TOM LIPPI Denver, Colorado

Stuart Johnson

February 11, 2008

Mr. Capra, you were such an inspiration and encourager to so many in and around the industry you helped build in Wilmington. North Carolina truly was blessed because of your leadership, vision and optimism. May peace and solace be with your family.
"Good night sweet prince"

Ben Smith

February 11, 2008

Frank Capra was a genuine warm and gracious human being. How unlikely was it that a Deputy Sheriff and a man like Frank Capra could become friends? He joined the Wilmington Naval Affairs committee in welcoming a British Warship to our City. When Mr Capra was introduced to the Captain,he then turned and said, "This is my very good friend Deputy Ben Smith" This compliment meant so much to me. Here's to the coffee we drank and the wonderful stories you shared. To all of the family, my deepest sympathy for the loss of a life so well lived.

jason tyson

February 11, 2008

Thank-you for a Wonderful Life!

Ken Thompson

February 10, 2008

Mr. Capra, you were an inspiration to us all. During my career at UNCW, I really enjoyed having you as a professor and CEN mentor. You will be missed by all those in the Wilmington community, as well as the film industry. Because of your contributions to UNCW and Wilmington, the film industry will continue to thrive in North Carolina. God bless you Mr. Capra.

Sincerely,

Susan Hardison

February 10, 2008

To the family of Mr. Frank Capra:
I just wanted to tell you how sorry I was when I learned of Mr. Capra’s untimely passing. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Mr. Capra brought so many gifts to our lives. We will never forget him!
Of course nothing I can say or do will fill the hole now in your life. But perhaps this quote, from a Church of England cleric, may give you some comfort.

Death is nothing at all. I have slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed, at the little joke we enjoyed together. Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect, without trace of shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant, it tis the same as it ever was, there is an unbroken continuity. What is death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

ALL IS WELL.

- Canon Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)

Please accept my condolences.

Sincerely,
S.R. Hardison

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