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

Mancuso’s career was marked by a distinct rise from humble beginnings. Born on July 25, 1933, in Buffalo, New York, he began working as a theater usher at age 15 after falsely claiming he was older. He later joined Paramount in 1962 and became known for his expertise in sales, marketing, and distribution rather than film production, an uncommon trajectory for a studio chief.

He served as chairman and chief executive of Paramount Pictures from 1984 to 1991. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the studio’s success with hit films such as “Top Gun,” “Ghost,” “Fatal Attraction,” and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” Mancuso was also credited with revitalizing the James Bond franchise. His marketing innovations included pioneering the use of music videos and soundtracks to boost movies’ profiles, demonstrated by the success of “Saturday Night Fever” (1977) and “Flashdance” (1983).

Mancuso showed a keen strategic sense in film release timing. For example, his decision to open “Terms of Endearment” just before Thanksgiving in 1983—a time then regarded as slow for movies—ultimately helped the film gain momentum and win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. He also adjusted the release schedule for Robert Redford’s directorial debut, “Ordinary People” (1980), helping it secure four Oscars.

Mancuso’s leadership helped Paramount dominate the box office in the mid-1980s, with blockbusters like “Crocodile Dundee,” “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and “Beverly Hills Cop II.” He also supported the launch of successful television series such as “Cheers,” “Family Ties,” and “The Arsenio Hall Show.” Colleagues praised him for his fairness and encouragement during challenging periods, as well as his ability to back risky projects.

Despite these accomplishments, Mancuso’s time at Paramount ended amid controversy in 1991 after several high-profile films, including “Days of Thunder” and “The Godfather Part III,” underperformed. His management style and budget decisions faced criticism, and tensions arose with some stars. Following a corporate restructuring that would have reduced his authority, Mancuso resigned and later settled a $45 million breach-of-contract lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.

In 1993, Mancuso was appointed chairman and CEO of MGM/United Artists, which was struggling financially. He served until 1999, overseeing debt reduction, revitalizing the studio’s output, and managing its 1996 sale for $1.3 billion. His efforts included producing successful films like “GoldenEye,” “Tomorrow Never Dies,” “The World Is Not Enough,” “Stargate,” “The Birdcage,” “Get Shorty,” and “Leaving Las Vegas,” for which Nicolas Cage won an Academy Award.

Known for his quiet demeanor and nickname “Gentleman Frank,” Mancuso cultivated a family atmosphere at Paramount, honoring studio legends by naming buildings after them and maintaining close relationships with staff. His daughter noted that his career represented a bygone era before the era of corporate mergers and streaming transformed Hollywood’s landscape.

Mancuso is survived by his wife, Frances “Fay” Mancuso, whom he married in 1957; their son, Frank Mancuso Jr., a film producer; his daughter Maria; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.