Lester Persky (July 6, 1925 – December 16, 2001) was an American film, television, and theatre producer.

Lester Persky
Born(1925-07-06)July 6, 1925
DiedDecember 16, 2001(2001-12-16) (aged 76)
Other namesP. J. Lester
Occupation(s)Film, television and theatre producer

Early life and career

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Born in Brooklyn, New York, Persky attended Brooklyn College before serving in the Merchant Navy during World War II. After the war, he worked at The New York Times and later as a copywriter at an advertising agency. Persky later opened his own successful ad agency.[1]

In 1964, Andy Warhol used some of Persky's collection of old TV ads as part of Warhol's film Soap Opera (1964).[2]

As a producer, Persky won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on the miniseries A Woman Named Jackie. Persky also attempted to produce a miniseries based on the life of Howard Hughes with Terry Moore serving as a consultant.[1]

Death

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On December 16, 2001, Persky died of complications following heart surgery in Los Angeles.[1]

Filmography

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Film
Year Film Notes
1968 Boom! Associate producer
1971 Fortune and Men's Eyes Producer
1977 Equus Producer
1979 Hair Producer
Yanks Producer
Television
Year Title Notes
1987 Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story Executive producer
1991 A Woman Named Jackie Executive producer
1995 Liz: The Elizabeth Taylor Story Executive producer

References

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  1. ^ a b c Honan, William H. (December 25, 2001). "Lester Persky, 76, Producer Of 'Taxi Driver' and 'Shampoo'". The New York Times. Retrieved November 22, 2009.
  2. ^ WarholStars entry
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