Frank Mancuso, a prominent Hollywood executive who led Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) during pivotal periods in the 1980s and 1990s, died on October 1 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 93. His daughter, Maria Mancuso, confirmed that he died from complications related to lung cancer.

Born on July 25, 1933, in Buffalo, New York, Mancuso began his career in the film industry at age 15 when he became an usher at the Lafayette Theatre. After serving in the Army and studying optometry for a time, he transitioned into film distribution and sales, joining Paramount in 1962. Mancuso built his reputation as a marketing and distribution expert, pioneering the use of music videos and soundtracks to promote movies. This innovative approach helped elevate films like “Saturday Night Fever” and “Flashdance” into cultural phenomena.

Rising through the ranks, Mancuso became the president of Paramount’s motion picture division in 1983 and chairman and CEO in 1984, succeeding Barry Diller. During his tenure, he oversaw numerous box office successes including “Top Gun” (1986), “Fatal Attraction” (1987), “Ghost” (1990), “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989), “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984), and “The Untouchables” (1987). He was instrumental in reviving the careers of key creative talents and maintaining a diverse slate of commercially successful films. Mancuso was also credited with reshaping film release strategies, such as opening “Terms of Endearment” near Thanksgiving, a move that contributed to its strong performance and Academy Award wins.

Despite these successes, Mancuso’s leadership at Paramount ended amid controversies related to financially underperforming films including “Days of Thunder,” “The Two Jakes,” and “The Godfather Part III.” He faced criticism for his management style and budget overruns, and following tensions within the company’s parent firm, he resigned in 1991. Mancuso subsequently filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit, eventually settling for $20 million.

In 1993, Mancuso returned to the studio system when he was appointed chairman and CEO of MGM/United Artists. There he tackled the company’s financial struggles, contributing to its debt reduction and overseeing notable films such as the James Bond revival with “GoldenEye,” “Tomorrow Never Dies,” and “The World Is Not Enough,” as well as critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies like “Leaving Las Vegas,” “Stargate,” and “Get Shorty.” MGM was sold for $1.3 billion in 1996 under his leadership.

Colleagues remembered Mancuso as a thoughtful and strategic executive. Sherry Lansing, former Paramount chairwoman, noted his willingness to support filmmakers during challenging periods and his integrity in the industry. He was known by the nickname “Gentleman Frank” for his mild demeanor and respectful approach, though he also emphasized fairness and strength in negotiations.

Mancuso is survived by his wife of nearly seven decades, Frances “Fay” Mancuso, their son Frank Mancuso Jr., a film producer, their daughter Maria Mancuso, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His career spanned a transformative era in Hollywood, marked by changes in film marketing, production, and studio operations. His daughter reflected that his legacy represented a period of the movie business that no longer exists, as the industry evolves with corporate mergers and the rise of streaming platforms.