John Calley, movie studio exec, dies

LOS ANGELES -- John Calley, who ran three Hollywood studios that made hits such as "The Exorcist" and "Spider-Man," died yesterday. He was 81.

Calley died at his home in Los Angeles after a lengthy illness, Sony Pictures Entertainment said.

Among the other varied and influential films produced under his tenure as a studio head were "All the President's Men," "Dirty Harry," "A Clockwork Orange" and "The Da Vinci Code." Calley's career spanned more than 50 years and he most recently served as Sony's chairman and chief executive. Before that he was the studio chief at Warner Bros. in the 1970s and MGM/United Artists in the 1990s.

"John was unique," director Mike Nichols said. "As a friend he was always there and always funny. He made life a joy for those he loved." He also was unfailingly supportive and didn't try to do the filmmaker's job, Nichols said.

"When he believed in someone, he trusted and supported him and when very rarely he had a suggestion it was usually a lifesaver," he said. "In fact that's what he was: a lifesaver." Amy Pascal, co-chairwoman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said Calley had a rare combination of attributes.

"He had a steely business mind and the soul of an artist," Pascal said. Calley was born on July 8, 1930, in Jersey City. His entertainment career began when he was 21, working in the NBC mailroom in Manhattan after serving in the Army.

Calley is survived by a daughter and three stepchildren from his marriage to Meg Tilly. Memorial arrangements are being planned and will take place at Sony Pictures Studios.