Gilbert Cates
| Gilbert Cates | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Gilbert Katz June 6, 1934 New York City, New York, United States |
| Died | October 31, 2011 (aged 77) Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Alma mater | Syracuse University |
| Occupation | Film director, television producer |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Betty Dubin (1957-?; divorced) Dr. Judith Reichman (1987-2011; his death) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | Nina (née Peltzman) Nathan Katz |
Gilbert “Gil” Cates (June 6, 1934 – October 31, 2011), born Gilbert Katz, was an Award winning American film director and television producer, director of the Geffen Playhouse, and founding dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Cates is most known for having produced the Academy Awards telecast a record 14 times between 1990 and 2008.
Cates was born Gilbert Katz in New York City, the son of Jewish parents Nina (née Peltzman) and Nathan Katz, who was a dress manufacturer. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School, and majored at Syracuse University. According to the Jewish Journal, Cates stumbled into his profession by accident: As a pre-med student at Syracuse University, he was in the fencing team and was asked to instruct student actors in a production of Richard III on how to handle swords. He was so taken by the experience that he changed his major to theater.
Cates was a member of the Reform Jewish Wilshire Boulevard Temple. The Jewish Journal quotes him as saying that he only attended services on the High Holy Days, but felt “very proud to be Jewish”.
Cates was first married to Jane Betty Dubin and then to gynecologist Judith Reichman. He had four children from his first marriage, including Gil Cates Jr., and two stepchildren from his second marriage, and six grandchildren. He was the younger brother of Joseph Cates, also a director and producer, and the uncle of actress Phoebe Cates.
Cates died suddenly in Los Angeles of an apparent heart attack on October 31, 2011 at the age of 77.
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