Remembering Thomas H. Brodek: Celebrated Film Producer Passes Away at 86
Thomas H. Brodek, a prominent film producer known for his work on iconic 1980s movies such as The Aviator featuring Christopher Reeve, The Principal with Jim Belushi and Louis Gossett Jr., and Transylvania 6-5000 starring Jeff Goldblum, has passed away at the age of 86. He died on June 15, 2023, due to cancer at a hospice facility in Surprise, Arizona, as confirmed by his wife of 63 years, Lorraine Brodek, a renowned author and former executive at Warner Bros.
Brodek’s career spanned over five decades, during which he held the position of senior vice president and executive producer at ABC Productions from 1990 to 2002. During this time, he contributed to notable Stephen King miniseries, including Storm of the Century (1999) and Rose Red (2002), as well as the 2004 series Kingdom Hospital. Earlier in his career, he played a key role in the production of the acclaimed ABC miniseries adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden in 1981.
In 2009, Brodek was brought on board to produce the final four episodes of Showtime’s The Tudors, filmed in Ireland. He also produced the 2014 film Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, which starred Gena Rowlands.
Born in Hollywood, Brodek was a graduate of Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra, where he shared classes with actress Natalie Wood. He went on to earn his degree from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 1960, where he first met Lorraine, who would become his lifelong partner.
In 1986, Brodek and his business partner Richard Soames founded Doric Productions, specializing in studio-developed films as negative pickup projects. Their first project was The Boss’ Wife (1986) starring Daniel Stern for TriStar Pictures. The company was also behind other notable films such as Transylvania 6-5000 (1985), The Principal (1987), and Disney’s Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989).
Brodek also held significant positions in the industry, including heading Southwestern Studios in Carefree, Arizona, where CBS’s The New Dick Van Dyke Show was filmed from 1971 to 1974. He served as executive vice president of production, administration, and business affairs for a company led by producer Mace Neufeld and was president of the television division of The Petersen Company. As a respected figure in the film industry, he was also vice chairman of the California Film Commission and an advisor to the North Britain Film Commission. Brodek was a proud member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Brodek is survived by his two daughters, Kristin and Kerri, and his grandson, Logan Dunn, who is currently a postproduction assistant on the Netflix limited series Sirens. His legacy in the film industry will be remembered for years to come, reflecting his passion and dedication to storytelling through cinema.
