Jack Valenti who seemed ubiquitous during his years as president of the MPAA, died at the age of 85 today in Washington. He was especially known for his appearances on the annual Academy Awards show. He was hospitalized from a stroke he suffered last month until he returned home yesterday, said Rich Taylor, the family spokesman.
He battled for the industry concerning the movie-rating system, copyright protection and trade concessions. He was head of the MPAA for 38 years. He stepped down from the position in 2004.
Valenti was Lyndon Johnsons' appointments secretary until he was offered the MPAA position in 1966. He was in the motorcade when Kennedy was assassinated and the famous picture of Johnson as he was being sworn in as president next to Jacqueline Kennedy.
Dan Glickman, a former Congressman and secretary of Agriculture said, "Jack was a showman, a gentleman, an orator and a passionate champion of this country, its movies and the enduring freedoms that made both so important to this world. He also embodied the theatricality of our industry with his conviction, quick wit and boundless energy."
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