Frank Mancuso, a prominent Hollywood executive who led Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) during the 1980s and 1990s, died on October 1 in Los Angeles at the age of 93. His daughter, Maria Mancuso, confirmed that he passed away due to complications related to lung cancer.

Mr. Mancuso’s rise in Hollywood was notable for his background in sales, marketing, and distribution rather than traditional film production. He became chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures in 1984, a position he held until 1991. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in the release and promotion of numerous successful films, including "Top Gun," "Ghost," "Fatal Attraction," and the "Indiana Jones" sequel "The Last Crusade." He also contributed to the revitalization of the James Bond franchise later at MGM.

Known as “Gentleman Frank,” Mancuso was recognized for his strategic acumen and quiet leadership style. Before becoming chairman, he pioneered the use of music videos and soundtracks as marketing tools, contributing to the international success of films like "Saturday Night Fever" (1977) and "Flashdance" (1983). He was also innovative in his approach to release scheduling, moving films such as "Terms of Endearment" (1983) and "Ordinary People" (1980) to nontraditional windows that ultimately helped those films achieve critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards.

One of his most notable decisions as Paramount’s chair was salvaging the film "Top Gun" from the studio’s discard pile, betting on the star power of Tom Cruise and groundbreaking aerial cinematography to turn it into a blockbuster. The 1986 film went on to earn approximately $360 million globally.

His leadership extended beyond film into television, where he oversaw the launch of successful programs, including "Cheers," "Family Ties," and "The Arsenio Hall Show." Colleagues praised Mancuso for his support of filmmakers during challenging periods, with Sherry Lansing, Paramount’s later chair, recalling how he backed her early projects despite initial box office failures.

However, Mr. Mancuso’s time at Paramount ended amid controversy and tension. A series of underperforming films in 1990, including "Days of Thunder," "The Two Jakes," and "The Godfather Part III," drew criticism of his management style and relationships with top actors. In 1991, after a restructuring placed him under the authority of new leadership, Mancuso resigned and later settled a $45 million lawsuit with the studio for $20 million.

In 1993, he took on the role of chairman and CEO at MGM/United Artists, where he helped stabilize the financially troubled studio, reduce its debt, and oversee its 1996 sale for $1.3 billion. Under his leadership, MGM released three James Bond films—"GoldenEye," "Tomorrow Never Dies," and "The World Is Not Enough"—as well as critically and commercially successful titles such as "Stargate," "The Birdcage," "Get Shorty," and "Leaving Las Vegas," which earned Nicolas Cage an Academy Award.

Born on July 25, 1933, in Buffalo, New York, Mancuso began his career in the film industry at a young age, working as a theater usher before joining Paramount in 1962. He was known for fostering a family-like environment at the studio and maintaining a deep respect for Hollywood traditions, honoring past legends and staying connected to staff at all levels.

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

Reflecting on Mr. Mancuso’s legacy, colleagues noted that his career embodied an era of Hollywood now transformed by corporate mergers and streaming platforms. Just days after his passing, Paramount completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. to form the newly named Skydance, underlining the ongoing evolution of the industry Mancuso helped shape.