Sidney Luft facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sidney Luft
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| Born |
Michael Sidney Luft
November 2, 1915 New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Died | September 15, 2005 (aged 89) Santa Monica, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Impresario |
| Years active | 1947–2004 |
| Spouse(s) |
MaryLou Simpson
(m. 1940; div. 1942)Patti Hemingway
(m. 1970; div. 1971)Camille Keaton
(m. 1993) |
| Children | 4, including Lorna Luft |
Michael Sidney Luft (born November 2, 1915 – died September 15, 2005) was an American show business professional. He was known for managing and producing projects for famous entertainers. He was also married to actresses Lynn Bari and Judy Garland.
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Early Life and Background
Sidney Luft was born in New York City. His parents, Leonora and Norbert Luft, had moved to the U.S. from Russia and Germany. He grew up in Westchester County, New York.
Sidney Luft's Career
Sidney Luft had many interesting jobs before working in Hollywood. He was an amateur boxer and was even nicknamed "One-Punch Luft." He also served as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. In the early 1940s, he worked as a test pilot for the Douglas Aircraft Company.
Luft's first job in Hollywood was as a manager for the dancer Eleanor Powell. He later became very important in the career of singer and actress Judy Garland. He helped her get a deal with Warner Bros. to make the movie A Star Is Born in 1954. Sidney Luft was the producer for this film.
A Star Is Born was a big success with critics. It was also very popular with audiences. Even though it earned a lot of money, the movie cost a lot to make. Because of this, the studio ended their contract with Judy Garland and Sidney Luft.
Sidney Luft's Family Life
Sidney Luft was married five times during his life:
- In December 1940, he married MaryLou Simpson. They divorced in 1942.
- On November 28, 1943, he married actress Lynn Bari. They had a son named John Michael Luft. They divorced in December 1950.
- On June 29, 1952, he married singer and actress Judy Garland. They had two children together: Lorna Luft (born in 1952) and Joseph Wiley "Joey" Luft (born in 1955). They separated in 1963 and divorced in 1965.
- In 1970, he married Patti Hemingway. They divorced less than a year later.
- On March 20, 1993, he married Camille Keaton.
Later Years and Death
Sidney Luft passed away on September 15, 2005. He was 89 years old. He died in Santa Monica, California.
Film and TV Work
Sidney Luft was involved in producing several films and television shows:
- 1947: Kilroy Was Here
- 1948: French Leave
- 1954: A Star Is Born
- 1955: Ford Star Jubilee (TV episode: "The Judy Garland Special")
- 1956: General Electric Theater (TV episode: "Judy Garland Musical Special")
- 1997: Judy Garland's Hollywood
