Aaron Russo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aaron Russo
Russo promoting his film America: Freedom to Fascism
Born	February 14, 1943 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died	August 24, 2007(2007-08-24) (aged 64) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Known for	Music manager, film producer, libertarian politician and activist

Aaron Russo (born February 14, 1943 – died August 24, 2007) was an American businessman in entertainment. He was also a film producer, director, and a political activist. He was well-known for producing popular movies like Trading Places, Wise Guys, and The Rose. Later in his life, he made political documentaries that supported libertarian ideas. These films included Mad as Hell and America: Freedom to Fascism.

Aaron Russo passed away on August 24, 2007, after battling cancer for six years.

Early Life and Beginnings

Aaron Russo was born in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Lawrence, Nassau County, New York, on Long Island. As a young person, he worked in his family's clothing business. He also played football in high school at Lawrence High School.

A Career in Entertainment

In April 1968, Russo opened a nightclub in Chicago, Illinois, called the Kinetic Playground. It was first named the Electric Theater. He brought many famous rock bands and musicians to his club. Some of these included The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, and The Who.

Besides owning a nightclub, Russo also managed several music artists in the 1970s. He helped guide the careers of groups like The Manhattan Transfer and the famous singer Bette Midler.

Producing and Directing Films

Russo then started producing and directing movies. Six of the films he produced were nominated for Academy Awards. Two of them also received Golden Globe Award nominations. His first job as a producer was for Bette Midler's show, Clams on the Half-Shell Revue.

He produced other well-known movies such as The Rose (1979), which starred Bette Midler. He also produced Trading Places (1983), starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. His last film was America: Freedom to Fascism. This was a political documentary that criticized the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Federal Reserve System. It also warned about a concept called the New World Order.

In 1987, Aaron Russo started his own entertainment company called Aaron Russo Entertainment. This company aimed to produce films, TV shows, and music.

Political Involvement

Russo became interested in political issues in the mid-1990s. He produced and starred in a documentary called Mad As Hell. In this film, he spoke out against several things. These included the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the government's "War on Drugs", and the idea of a National Identity Card. He also criticized government rules about alternative medicine.

Running for Office

In 1998, Russo decided to get more involved in politics. He ran for governor of Nevada as a Republican. He came in second place in the Republican primary election.

The Aaron Russo Gold Commemorative Memorial Piece.

In January 2004, Russo announced he wanted to run for President of the United States. He first ran as an independent, then as a Libertarian. At the Libertarian National Convention in May 2004, he received many votes but did not win the nomination.

Later Life and Passing

Aaron Russo died on August 24, 2007, in Los Angeles. He was 64 years old and passed away from cancer.

Filmography

Aaron Russo was a producer for all these films unless noted otherwise.

Films He Produced

Films He Directed

Television Work

See also

In Spanish: Aaron Russo para niños