Producer Carr dies at 62

blog

'Grease,' 'Folles' personality known as great showman

Allan Carr, the producer best known for the films “Grease,” “Grease 2,” and the Tony award-winning Broadway production of “La Cage aux Folles,” died Tuesday at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 62.

“Allan never had a bad time,” said longtime friend Suzanne Pleshette. “He was the most gracious host, the most fabulous guest and most caring, loving friend.”

Carr was born in Highland Park, Ill., and entered show business after a stint at Northwestern University. His first job was as the talent coordinator on the syndicated Playboy Penthouse television series. Soon, he became a manager with clients including Ann-Margaret, Peter Sellers, Joan Rivers and Peggy Lee. He considered Mark Hamill, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steve Guttenberg and Lisa Hartman Black talents he personally discovered.

Related Stories

A hand holding up a controller into the air VIP+

Why the Video Game Industry Can’t Shake Its Struggles

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Lady Gaga attends the UK Premiere of "Joker Folie à Deux" at the Cineworld Leicester Square on September 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Lady Gaga Drops ‘Harlequin’ Album, With Songs Inspired by Her ‘Joker’ Character

Carr served in the early ’70s as a creative consultant to the Robert Stigwood Organization. His personal fortune took a huge leap when he and Stigwood presented 1976’s low-budget film “Survive!” and it grossed over $16 million.

Popular on Variety

“Grease,” released in 1978 starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, was Carr’s most successful film. The musical was so popular and enduring that it was re-released by Paramount in 1998.

“Allan had total belief in ‘Grease,’ kept the set joyous and was a real cheerleader for the film,” said choreographer Patricia Birch. “He was the kind of great showman who knew how to collect great talent.”

Party-giver

It was at this time, at the height of the disco era, that Carr became famous for the elaborate parties he hosted. On one occasion, he threw a black-tie dinner dance for Truman Capote in L.A.’s Lincoln Heights jail.

In a 1980 Esquire magazine article, Carr wrote, “Readers of the scandal press know all about my evenings: champion party-giver, social gadfly par excellence. I have become known as the Bianca Jagger of producers.”

His friend Alana Stewart said: “Allan gave some of the most fabulous parties, but more important than being a great host and party-giver, he was an incredibly intelligent, creative person. He was such a loving, caring, supportive friend.”

Challenges

Though Carr had many show business successes, he also had his setbacks. The 1980 disco musical “Can’t Stop the Music” starring the Village People received a critical drubbing, as did Carr’s production of the 61st Academy Awards in 1989, which are best remembered for the campy, Rob Lowe/Snow White dance number.

In the last few years, the heavyset Carr, much identified with the embroidered caftans he wore, suffered a number of health set backs. He had both his hips replaced, and in 1998 had a kidney transplant. However he was in good enough condition to attend the “Grease” re-release at the Chinese Theater in March.

Death came from cancer, which had been diagnosed one month ago. No funeral plans have been announced.

“Allan always used to give a big July 4th party,” said Pleshette. “This is a helluva way for him to skip his own party.”

Jump to Comments

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

A Variety and iHeartRadio Podcast

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9mhnqFjp%2BgpaVfo7K4v46pqaicpZiys3nCmqmrZZSesrR5wK1kb2pdZn5yg5Rpam9oaGQ%3D