In sad news for the entertainment industry, veteran film producer Daniel Goldberg has died at the age of 74 in Los Angeles. Goldberg, known for his work on popular films like the entire ‘The Hangover’ trilogy and ‘Stripes,’ leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Hollywood.
Born in the 1940s, Goldberg established a successful career spanning over three decades. He frequently collaborated with filmmaker Ivan Reitman, with whom he had a close friendship since their college days. Together, they worked on numerous projects, including the animated cult classic ‘Heavy Metal’ and the beloved live-action/animation hybrid ‘Space Jam,’ featuring Michael Jordan and iconic Looney Tunes characters.
Goldberg’s filmography boasts an impressive array of comedies and adventures. Notable works include ‘Junior,’ a comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a pregnant man, the hilarious ‘Fathers’ Day’ with Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, and the action-packed ‘Six Days Seven Nights’ starring Harrison Ford and Anne Heche. He also produced the irreverent ‘Road Trip’ and the sci-fi comedy ‘Evolution,’ among others.
The producer’s career took off with his involvement in the raunchy summer-camp comedy ‘Meatballs’ in 1979. Starring Bill Murray in his breakout role, the film became an instant hit and marked the beginning of Goldberg’s successful collaboration with Murray. Goldberg also co-wrote the screenplay for ‘Stripes,’ the military comedy that showcased Murray’s comedic genius and paired him with Harold Ramis.
Goldberg’s talents extended beyond the big screen. He received an Emmy nomination for his work as a co-executive producer on HBO’s 1996 telefilm ‘The Late Shift,’ a gripping portrayal of the behind-the-scenes battle between David Letterman and Jay Leno to succeed Johnny Carson as the host of ‘The Tonight Show.’ Additionally, he served as an executive producer on animated TV series adaptations of ‘Beethoven’ and ‘Extreme Ghostbusters.’
However, Goldberg’s greatest success came with ‘The Hangover’ franchise. As a producer of the original film released in 2009, he played a crucial role in its phenomenal global success. Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Ken Jeong, ‘The Hangover’ became a cultural phenomenon, grossing nearly $470 million worldwide and earning critical acclaim. Goldberg continued his involvement as a producer for the subsequent sequels, ‘The Hangover Part II’ and ‘The Hangover Part III.’
Daniel Goldberg’s passing is mourned by his wife, Ilona Herzberg, as well as his siblings Kathy Hogg, Amy Goldberg, and Harris Goldberg. His contributions to the world of film, particularly his work on ‘The Hangover’ trilogy and collaborations with Ivan Reitman, have left an indelible mark on the industry. Goldberg’s talent and dedication will be remembered fondly, and he will be greatly missed.