Lawrence Gordon (producer) facts for kids

Lawrence Gordon, born on March 25, 1938, is a well-known American producer and movie executive. He is famous for making exciting action movies and other types of films. Some of his most popular movies include 48 Hours (1982), Predator (1987), Die Hard (1988), Point Break (1991), Boogie Nights (1997), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Hellboy (2004), and Watchmen (2009).

Lawrence Gordon's Early Life and Career

Lawrence Gordon grew up in Belzoni, Mississippi. He went to Tulane University in New Orleans. After college, he moved to Los Angeles and started his career in movies and TV in 1964.

Starting in Television

Gordon began by working for a famous producer named Aaron Spelling. He became a writer and associate producer for the TV show Burke's Law. He quickly moved up in the TV world, working as an executive producer at big companies like ABC and Screen Gems.

Moving to Movies

In 1968, Gordon joined American International Pictures (AIP). He became a vice president there, helping to develop new movies. He left AIP in 1970 to start his own company. He later returned to AIP in 1972 as the head of movie production. During this time, he helped release films like Slaughter and Boxcar Bertha. He also worked as an executive producer on the movie Dillinger (1973).

Forming His Own Company

In 1974, Gordon left AIP again to create his own production company. He made a deal with Columbia Pictures. His first movie with them was Hard Times (1975). He also worked with director Walter Hill on a TV series called Dog and Cat.

In 1978, he had two very successful movies, Hooper and The End, both starring the famous actor Burt Reynolds. He also produced the popular movie The Warriors (1979).

Leading at 20th Century Fox

In 1984, Lawrence Gordon became the head of production at 20th Century Fox, a major movie studio. He later became the president of Fox Entertainment Group. He left this role in 1986 to focus on making movies independently.

Independent Film Production

Gordon then started Lawrence Gordon Productions. This company made many well-known films, including Jumpin' Jack Flash, Boogie Nights, K-9, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Hellboy and its sequel The Golden Army, and Watchmen.

In 1989, he produced Field of Dreams, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. He also created another company called Largo Entertainment, which was supported by a Japanese company called JVC.

Lawrence Gordon's Film and TV Work

Lawrence Gordon has been a producer on many movies and TV shows. Being a producer means he helps make sure the movie or show gets made, from finding the story to managing the budget and filming.

Selected Movies

Here are some of the movies he produced:

• Dillinger (1973)
• Hard Times (1975)
• The End (1978)
• The Driver (1978)
• Hooper (1978)
• The Warriors (1979)
• Xanadu (1980)
• 48 Hrs. (1982)
• Streets of Fire (1984)
• Brewster's Millions (1985)
• Jumpin' Jack Flash (1986)
• Predator (1987)
• Die Hard (1988)
• Field of Dreams (1989)
• K-9 (1989)
• Die Hard 2 (1990)
• Predator 2 (1990)
• The Rocketeer (1991)
• Waterworld (1995)
• Boogie Nights (1997)
• Mystery Men (1999)
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
• Hellboy (2004)
• Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
• Watchmen (2009)
• Hellboy (2019)
• Prey (2022)

Selected Television Shows

Lawrence Gordon has also produced several TV movies and series:

• The Missing Are Deadly (1975)
• Dog and Cat (1977)
• Matt Houston (1982–1984)
• The Renegades (1982–1983)
• Timecop (1997)
• Hellboy: Sword of Storms (2006)
• Hellboy: Blood and Iron (2007)
• Watchmen (2019)

See also

In Spanish: Lawrence Gordon (productor) para niños