'Jaws' Producer Richard Zanuck Dead at 77

Legendary producer Richard D. Zanuck, who had a strong hand in the release of countless classic films such as Jaws, Cocoon, and Driving Miss Daisy, has died.

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The Hollywood heavyweight passed away at his home in California following a heart attack, his publicist confirms to the Associated Press. He was 77.

Zanuck, the son of legendary 20th Century Fox mogul Darryl F. Zanuck, remains one of the most celebrated figures in film history. The Oscar-winning producer began his decorated career as the chief of 20th Century Fox and, subsequently, an award-winning film producer for nearly forty years.

As head of Fox, Zanuck takes credit for the release of The Sound of Music, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and MASH, to name a few.

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As producer, he brought Planet of the Apes, Big Fish and Yes Man to the big screen. Most recently, Zanuck struck up a rapport with director Tim Burton, aiding in the release of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd, Alice in Wonderland and Dark Shadows.

Zanuck is survived by his wife Lili Fini Zanuck, sons Harrison and Dean and nine grandchildren.