During a famous career spanning over 50 years, John Calley oversaw three major Hollywood studios and produced or supported a slew of blockbuster movies, from Catch-22 to The Da Vinci Code. Born John Nicholas Calley, he was known for his unusually artistic approach and for overseeing some of the most critically acclaimed movies in the entertainment world. Unfortunately, the prolific film studio executive and producer died on September 13, 2011, after a long illness.
Mr. Calley was a low-key, educated, and respected businessman whose relationships touched every corner of the industry. In addition to being one of the most renowned and dedicated personalities, John will be remembered for his soft-spoken and cerebral nature, humor, business acumen, and artistic intuition. Because his life story is worth sharing, we bring you this article, covering all pertinent information regarding John Calley.
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Knew The Taste Of Being Born Poor
The prolific studio executive was born on July 8, 1930, in Jersey City, New Jersey. John Calley's father was a car salesman and was raised by a single mother during the Great Depression. Growing up in poverty, he knew the taste of being born poor. Likewise, when Calley was younger, he worked at a button factory and, later, as a janitor at his high school.
Furthermore, the producer started working at 21 as a mail clerk for NBC in New York. Later, Mr. Calley quit the network after advancing a few rungs, joined an advertising agency, and tried his hand at filmmaking at Filmways, a production company. Likewise, talking about his educational background, he graduated near the bottom of his class in high school. Then, in the late 1940s, he attended Columbia University and briefly served in the Army.
How Did John Rise To Prominence?
John rose to Hollywood's highest ranks by joining Warner Bros. in 1969, one of the most successful studio management teams in Hollywood history, as head of production, president, and then vice chairman until 1981. He became part of the production company under the leadership of Ted Ashley and Frank Wells and ownership of Steve Ross. That studio experienced a critical and financial golden period with acclaimed films like The Exorcist, Blazing Saddles, Mean Streets, Superman, and Best Picture winner Chariots of Fire during his tenure.
Furthermore, John oversaw the production of every Clint Eastwood and Stanley Kubrick film while working at Warner Bros. He was also responsible for movies released under Orion, the First Artists, and Ladd Company banners. After a successful run at Warner Bros., sailing enthusiast Calley transitioned into semi-retirement and split his time between Connecticut and Florida.
John Calley Net Worth And Career
As already stated, John was one of America's most established and successful studio producers. By being part of some exceptionally well and international sensation movie projects, he must have collected a hefty amount apart from gaining immense recognition. Hence, let's get to learn more about John Calley's net worth and career.
John's notable career started when he found his footing at Filmways, where he produced and developed entertaining films such as The Americanization of Emily (1964), The Cincinnati Kid (1965), The loved one (1965), and Catch-22 (1970). Later, as mentioned earlier, he joined Warner Bros. and gained international fame. However, in the early 1980s, he left Hollywood for the following ten years, leaving the studio scene to pursue the life of a 'virtual hermit,' first at his enormous home of Fishers Island, New York, and then in rural Connecticut. The reason behind his decision was burnout from his involvement in the production of over 120 films at Warner's and an unhappy marriage.
Moreover, in the 1990s, John returned as one of the producers of Merchant Ivory's The Remains of the Day (1993), earning him his sole Oscar nomination in a career spanning 50 years. Furthermore, he received credit for overseeing the James Bond feature, the high-budget GoldenEye (1995), and his support of the low-budget Leaving Las Vegas (1995). In addition, John again teamed up with director Mike Nichols and produced The Birdcage (1996), a comedy that collected well over $100 million.
Likewise, in the same year, Calley left MGM/UA to become president and COO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he was able to pull off a second turnaround. After that, he went back to producing, finding success with Nichols's Closer (2004), The Da Vinci Code (2006), and its sequel Angels & Demons (2009). Now, let's look at the box office collections of some of his projects.
| Movies | Box Office Collections |
| The Da Vinci Code | $760,006,945 |
| The Remains of the Day | $23,237,911 |
| The Birdcage | $185,260,553 |
| Angels & Demons | $485,930,816 |
Table Source: Box Office Mojo
Looking through his commercially successful projects, we can estimate that he had notable salary earnings. Moreover, a person working as a producer in America earns $56,304 per year on average. Hence, John Calley's net worth must have been significant, looking at his studio executive and producer career.
Going Through His Relationships
John was previously married to a Czech actress and former Playboy cover girl, Olga Schoberova in 1972. However, their marriage didn't last long, and they ended their wedding ties twenty years later in 1992. Later he started dating the ex-wife of successful film director David Lean, Sandra Hotz Lean. In 1992, they tied the knot and the duo moved to Washington, CT. However, their marriage could not be saved and the estranged duo got divorced in 1995.
Following two unsuccessful relationships, John married American-Canadian actress and writer Meg Tilly in 1995. Unfortunately, their wedding too didn't last long, and they divorced in 2002.
John Calley's ex-wife, Meg Tilly is a renowned actress and writer. Image Source: Meg Tilly Instagram.
Similarly, Calley's ex-wife, Meg, moved on from their failed marriage and married screenwriter Don Calame on 2002. He moved on with his life and produced numerous series and movies. He worked until 2009, the same year, that he was given Irving G Thalberg Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. But he could not attend due to illness.
All About John Calley's Children
The film studio executive had adopted one daughter, Sabrina Calley, during his first marriage. Sabrina works as a set customer and has hands in experience in designing costumes for Thena, Maleficent 2, and Warner Bros. Studios. Likewise, she attended Pitzer College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History.
John Calley's adopted daughter, Sabrina Calley, works as a set costumer. Image Source: Sabrina Calley LinkedIn.
Similarly, John was the stepfather to Emily Zinnemann, David Zinnemann, and Will Firth from his marriage to Meg Tilly. His stepdaughter, Emily, and stepson, David, have been serving as board members at John N. Calley Foundation, which was founded in 2012 after his death. Nevertheless, all of John Calley's children are hardworking and have established their careers. On the other hand, the producer was a loving and devoted father who was there for his children selflessly.
Nonetheless, throughout his 50-year career, John served as the head of three major film studios and contributed to creating numerous noteworthy and well-liked films. Despite his projects covering a wide range of budgets and genres, Calley will be forever known as a brilliant, almost scholarly executive who was frank, witty, and low-key. He left a lasting impression on everyone and will be deeply missed.
Trivia And Facts
- Calley was celebrated as one of Hollywood's most admired and trusted figures.
- The foundation under his name is a nonprofit organization that provides philanthropic fundraising services.
