Former Academy President Tom Sherak Dies

Tom Sherak, former president of the Academy and Hollywood producer and film czar, has died aged 68 from cancer.

He joined the Exectives Branch of the Academy back in 1983 and spent his last term on the Board of Governors as President. But his work also extended beyond motion pictures, and as founder and chairman of the MS Hope Foundation he dedicated a large portion of time to supporting the multiple sclerosis community.

In a statement from current Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs hailed “his passionate support of and excitement about the motion picture business, the  Academy, his family and friends never wavered. He was truly larger than life,  and he will be missed.”

His family released the following statement:

“To the  entertainment community,

With broken  hearts we want to share with you the news that Tom Sherak passed away today  after a long 12 year battle with prostate cancer.  He died at home surrounded by his family  giving him hugs, kisses, and love.

Tom is, was,  and always will be, our loving husband, daddy, papa, brother, friend, and “Go  to Guy.”  He blessed this earth for 68  incredible years, and he will be missed every single day.

Tom lived his  life as an open book.  He opened his  heart and let the world in, and anyone who was lucky enough to know him knew  first hand the power of his love.  He  gave everything he had to help others, regardless of whether or not he knew  them.  Tom is a true hero in our lives  who has a star on the sidewalk and wings to fly.

We love him  so very much.”