David Matalon, ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’ Producer and TriStar Co-Founder, Dies At 82

David Matalon, a founding member of TriStar Pictures and producer of films like “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and “Hear No Evil,” died on Dec. 2 in his Beverly Hills home, Variety has learned. He was 82.

Born in 1943, Matalon began his career at Columbia Pictures International. He worked his way up to executive vice president of the company before leaving to co-found TriStar Pictures. He served as president of TriStar Pictures during his tenure. Matalon led strategic direction for TriStar and was integral in shaping the company’s early identity.

After leaving TriStar, Matalon went on to lead day-to-day operations at Regency Enterprises. Under Matalon’s guidance, Regency produced films such as “L.A. Confidential,” “Heat,” “Fight Club,” “Unfaithful,” “Entrapment,” “The Fountain” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” During his twelve years with the company, Regency signed an exclusive 15-year distribution contract with 20th Century Fox. Matalon served as an instrumental voice at Regency from 1995 to 2008. He eventually left the company to become an independent producer.

As an independent entity, Matalon worked and helped produce projects such as “Hear No Evil” with Marlee Matlin, Martin Sheen and D.B. Sweeney, “Breaking Up” starring Salma Hayek and Russell Crowe, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” starring Juliette Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, and “Color of Night.” Matalon served as an executive producer on “Bunraku” in 2010, which starred Josh Hartnett, Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson.

Matalon is survived by his two daughters, Michelle and Shirlee, his two brothers, Roy and Amnon, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.