Alan Ladd, Jr.

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Alan Ladd, Jr. (born October 22, 1937 in Los Angeles, California) is an American film industry executive and producer. He is famous for giving George Lucas the go-ahead to make Star Wars. He also produced Blade Runner. He is the son of late actor Alan Ladd.

He was also the chairman of The Ladd Company. Alan Ladd Jr. received the 2,348th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, September 28, 2007.

He started in the movies as an agent in 1963. In 1969, Ladd moved to London to produce, making nine films. He returned to the States in '73 to become Head of Creative Affairs at Twentieth Century Fox.

Within three very successful years Mr. Ladd was President of Fox. Star Wars, Alien, and Young Frankenstein were a few of the classics during his tenure. But in 1979 Ladd left his position to found his own production company, The Ladd Company. He enjoyed great successes with comedies like Night Shift and Police Academy and Oscar Winners The Right Stuff and Best Picture, Chariots of Fire.

In 1985, Ladd joined MGM/UA, eventually becoming Chairman and CEO of Pathé Entertainment. During his tenure MGM/UA enjoyed hits like A Fish Called Wanda, Moonstruck, and Thelma & Louise. Ladd reformed the Ladd Company with Paramount Pictures in 1993 where he produced the hits The Brady Bunch Movie and Best Picture Winner Braveheart.

Mr. Ladd is now producing independently with The Ladd Company.