Hollywood colleagues and friends remember Erik Lomis: “Part of the industry died with him today,” says Barbara Broccoli

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The death of MGM sales chief Erik Lomis on Wednesday shocked many in Hollywood. Not only was Lomis a sage to filmmakers and film industry executives, he was also known for his generosity, raising money with the Will Rogers Institute, nurturing the careers of others and even being a mentor to many in their personal lives to be.

“I don’t think the industry will realize in a few months how Erik Lomis was George Bailey,” EDO box office analysis partner Derek McLay, a former lieutenant of Lomis during the sales executive’s early MGM days, opposite Deadline. “He was so many things to so many people that he was quietly touched and done and he’s involved in everything we do.”

Lomis oversaw the distribution of several 007 films, including Daniel Craig’s Swan Song, No time to die and Pierce Brosnan’s pistol Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, the world is not enough And die on another day to name just a few in a decade-long collaboration with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson of Eon Productions. Lomis was the first Hollywood salesman to turn around and protect No time to die of Covid, foresaw the impact of the pandemic on the world exhibition before other studios followed suit. Lomis held tight to the film, constantly advocating for the future theatrical release of the picture over any streaming or theatrical release options with day-and-date PVOD. No time to die was the fourth highest-grossing film of 2021, grossing over $774 million worldwide. Lomis was also the host and a key organizer of the tribute to Broccoli and Wilson at the final Pioneer dinner in the fall of 2022. The 007 franchise producer and executive chef of Eon Productions Barbara Broccoli Deadline announced this evening: “We are absolutely devastated by the sudden loss of our dearest and dearest friend, Erik Lomis. He was a staunch supporter of theatrical distribution and treated each film with passion and care. He is irreplaceable. A part of the industry died with him today.”

Current Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Studio Michael DeLuca worked with Lomis during his tenure as chairman of MGM. De Luca, whose run with Lomi included photos such as House of Gucci, licorice pizza and development belief III, tells Deadline: “Every day with Lomis was a victory. He loved films and exhibitions so much.”

De Luca continues, “I remember how excited and giddy he was to put 70mm film at the Mann Village Theater Liquorice Pizza and how proud he was when it broke records there. Erik’s sheer love for films with things like this directly led to MGM earning their first Best Picture nomination since 1988 [this year’s Women Talking]. He was a joy to work with, he treated everyone like family and had the most generous spirit I have ever seen. He was a worker, a cinema man – irreplaceable.

Amazon and head of MGM Studios Jennifer Salke; SVP of Prime Video, Amazon Studios and MGM Mike Hopkins and VP, PVS Corporate Strategy, MGM+ and MGM Alternative Television Chris Brearton the staff sent an email earlier today and wrote:

We have difficult and terribly sad news to report. Erik Lomis, our MGM sales director, passed away suddenly this morning at home. We wanted to update you as soon as possible and will share more information as it becomes available. Let’s keep his wife and children in our thoughts and prayers, as well as the MGM/UAR crews who worked so closely with him.

Erik was truly one of a kind and an icon in our industry. His passion was undeniable and he meant so much to so many over the years. We are all better for knowing him.

With this heartbreaking message, we want to remind you that our Employee Assistance Program offers bereavement counseling and support to anyone who needs it.

Mike, Jens and Chris

Michael B Jordan and the Creed III Family said in a joint statement: “”On behalf of the Creed III The cast, crew and film crew, we send our deepest condolences to the Lomis family and our film family at MGM/UAR and Amazon Studios. We recently had Erik by our side as we promoted, fired and celebrated happily FAITH III. He was always in our corner and we will always be in his. The MGM threequel delivered the biggest box office hit for streamer parent Amazon with a current worldwide box office total of $226.7 million.

Former president of MGM Motion Picture Group and Creed III Manufacturer Jonathan Glickmanwho worked with Lomis The Addams Family Animated film and the Rocky Spin-off franchise says: “Yesterday I had lunch with Erik and Irwin Winkler to celebrate the incredible work he has done Creed III. He was his typical hilarious self and upbeat about work and family, so I’m shocked and saddened to hear of his passing.

“Erik was more than a colleague – he was a friend, sparring partner and mentor who treated me like family, even when I woke him up at 5am to bother him with pay numbers or tracking. There was no better advocate for film than Erik. I can honestly say “they don’t make her like him anymore”. He was a man, class and unforgettable – I will miss him.”

Garry Barber, former CEO of MGM and now Chairman and CEO of Spyglass Media Group, said: “I am deeply saddened by Erik’s sudden death and find it difficult to put into words the importance of his loyalty and friendship over the years meant bring. The film industry lost one of its greatest champions today, and I can’t imagine going into an opening weekend without his astute analysis and bold predictions. I’ll always remember him including “007” in his box office cover as a James Bond nod. My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to Patricia, his family and all who knew him. FLY, ERIK FLY!”

Barber and Lomis were not only close friends, but worked closely together during Barber’s time at MGM and through the MGM/Annapurna joint venture.

Adam AaronChairman and CEO of AMC Entertainment, added: “Like nearly everyone who knew him, we at AMC were both shocked and saddened to learn this morning of the sudden death of Erik Lomis. He was a giant of theatrical exhibition. Indeed, he was a very good person. I enjoyed every minute with him and I will never forget his big smile. Our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues at MGM, UA Releasing and Amazon. Erik, you will be greatly regretted and greatly missed.”

John Fithian, The chairman and CEO of NATO added: “Erik Lomis’s impact on the film and the film experience is literally unprecedented. Erik loved and lives the theater experience and brought so many great titles to our screens. I am devastated by this loss. Movie screens across America are booming right now. Erik was the film for me.”

Says the head of universal domestic sales Jim Orrwho worked with Lomis at MGM in the early 2000s: “More than a good friend, Erik was a true mentor to me and many others in this industry, someone larger than life, not only in theatrical distribution, but more in the many philanthropic endeavors he championed. Erik made an indelible mark on this world, an icon who will be sorely missed.”

Says Lionsgate’s head of domestic sales David Spitz, who started his career at Lomis: “I loved Erik. I respected Eric. I will miss him. My heart goes out to Patricia and the entire family. A great loss for our industry.”

Focus Functions Sales Director Lisa Bunnell to Deadline: “Erik Lomis was ‘the godfather’ to so many of us in exhibition and distribution. A great figure who was a generous leader not only in the theater world but also through the charities he supported. To say Erik is missing is an understatement.”

Warner Bros. Domestic Sales Director Jeff Goldstein adds: “I’ve known Erik since the beginning of our career. He was larger than life in many ways. As a businessman, he was resourceful, ruthless, curious and effective. A philanthropist, he was a tireless supporter of Will Rogers and Variety with a heart of solid gold. As a friend, he was someone you could always count on. We will miss his boundless energy and wit. This world really is a better place because he was here.

Joe Garell, VP of Film at exhibitor Cinepolis Cinemas, says: “It’s a sad day for cinema. Erik found himself in the middle of directing theater for MGM. Erik has always had our back when releasing films at TWC. He was a boss I respected and he made you feel part of the club. He will be missed.”

The Butler by Lee Daniels Manufacturer Cassian Elwes wrote on social media: