Robert Laemmle, former president of Laemmle Theatres, passed away on Thursday, January 9 in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife Michelle Laemmle and ex-wife Raquel Shantal, their children Yvonne Ascher & Leonard Laub, Michael & Haidee Ascher, David & Tammy Ascher, Greg & Tish Laemmle, Jessica Laemmle, Carri and Charlie Bisbee, Mitch & Debbie Needelman, Maitland Finley, and Robert Finley, and his sister Mimi Reisbaum and nephews Mark & Jay Reisbaum.
Bob was a kind, generous, happy person who adored his large family. He was also an entrepreneur and film industry trailblazer who lived a classic American immigrant success story. He was born on September 5, 1935 in Paris, France, to Max and Bertha Laemmle. Fleeing the Nazis, they brought him to the United States in 1938, and he lived in the Los Angeles area for the rest of his life. He was a gifted basketball player as a young man, earning All City honors out of Marshall High School during his senior year. He played college basketball at USC, L.A. City College and Cal State L.A. He graduated from Cal State Los Angeles in 1958, later receiving an MBA from UCLA in 1961.
Founded in 1938 by Robert’s father Max and his uncle Kurt, Laemmle Theatres is a storied exhibitor of foreign and art films in Los Angeles. Bob began working for Laemmle Theatres in 1963 and was instrumental in the rapid expansion of the chain, which he ran until 2004, and ever since has been led by his son Greg. Bob helped redefine the image of an “art house,” programming and innovatively marketing films from around the world while creating brand-new venues for L.A. cinephiles, including the Sunset 5 in West Hollywood, the Monica Film Center in Santa Monica, the Playhouse 7 in Pasadena, the NoHo 7, and the Laemmle Glendale.
Bob was made a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, a distinction his father also earned. The highest arts-specific honor conferred by the French government, it is reserved for artists and people who have contributed to the influence of arts in France and throughout the world. It was a testament to the Laemmles’ commitment to and passion for showcasing the best films from around the globe.
In 2000, the family established the Laemmle Charitable Foundation to give back to the community that has sustained the family business over the decades. Since then, the foundation has awarded over $2.3 million to locally based nonprofits with a focus on social and environmental giving. Past award recipients include Tree People, SOVA, L.A. Family Housing and Food Forward, along with many others.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 13 at 10:00 AM at Mount Sinai Memorial Park, located at 5950 Forest Lawn Drive. The family will be receiving visitors at their home in Santa Monica following the burial and will also have open hours in the days to follow.
Donations can be made to the Laemmle Charitable Foundation at www.laemmlefoundation.org or by check mailed to 11523 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Donations should also be made to local charities supporting fire relief efforts.
Recollections regarding Bob Laemmle and Laemmle Theatres are being collected and members of the public are invited to send comments below.
May his memory be for a blessing.
I just saw the Oscar clip of Bob. I had no idea of who he was in entertainment. I’ve talked with him for years around the neighborhood. He used to ride his bike with his dog by his side, both of them so happy. More recently I would see him walking the neighborhood using a red? walker. We exchanged pleasantries for several decades. He was always a pleasure to bump into. I will miss seeing him around. may his memory be a blessing.
While watching the Oscars I saw that Bob had died. I remembered calling him years ago. I told him my parents, Jeff and Anna Karen Morrow, who were actors, had spent so many happy hours seeing wonderful films at the Encino location. I asked Bob if I could rent one of his theaters for my dad’s memorial. He answered: “No, I won’t rent to you,” he said, “but , I will give it to you.” He had everything set up for us. It was an act of kindness that I will never forget. My deepest condolences.to his family.
David Eisenman
Sorry to just find out about Bob’s passing.
Was happy to know him and as a former John Marshall Alum and
remember his great basketball attributes as well being a warm and kind person. I am sure he will be missed by family and friends!
Bob Laemmle created what became my Museum of Modern Art film program in LA when I moved here. So many wonderful memories at the Laemmle Theaters with Bob always around with a big smile. Thanks for creating such an important LA institution, and thanks to Gregg for carrying it into the future. My sincere condolences.
Judy Pies
May Robert LAEMMLE’s legacy live on in LA film industry and his admirers.
.Gregg has been outstanding continuing to bring us inspirational and international movies. Thank you.
In deep sympathy to Robert’s family.
Regards,
DSands
Back before the NBA, there was the National Industrial Basketball League and AAU Basketball. In addition to college basketball, Bob played for the Los Angeles Kirby’s Shoes team back in the ’50s. My dad, Art Lubic, was the manager of the team. My dad died in 2015, but I know he was fond of Bob. May his memory be for a blessing.
As a childhood friend of Greg’s, I recall Bob being friendly and funny whenever I stopped in. Ever since, I’ve appreciated knowing I could always depend on finding excellent foreign and independent films at Laemmle Theatres. What a tremendous L.A. institution! My condolences to Greg and the entire Laemmle family and extended circle.