Sidney Kimmel
Encyclopedia
Sidney Kimmel is a film producer also working as such under the names Caesar Kimmel and Sydney Kimmel. Some of his many films include Death at a Funeral and The Kite Runner
. He ranked number 655 in the Forbes
list of the richest people alive, in 2010, and is a noted philanthropist who recently donated $25 million to Stand Up To Cancer
.
. He now lives in California with his wife Caroline.
in 1970 while working at W. R. Grace and Company
. Five years later, he purchased the company with a partner. Notable lines produced by Kimmel include: Jones New York, Evan-Picone, 9 West; licensing deals with Ralph Lauren. Stepped down as chief executive officer of Jones in 2002 but remains chairman of the board of directors; has sold most of his shares in the publicly-traded company. Today, he owns art, real estate, movie production outfit Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, and a small stake in the professional NBA basketball team Miami Heat
.
Kimmel is an active philanthropist especially with his work with the cure cancer movement. The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital
as well as the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital carry his name.
In 1993, Kimmel founded the Sidney Kimmel Foundation. The foundation's Cancer Research division pledged to contribute $120 million to institutions serving healthcare, education, arts and culture. Later, in 2001, the Sidney Kimmel Foundation for Cancer Research donated $150 million to Johns Hopkins University
. The donation became the largest single gift ever received by the University, and was directed toward the development of a residence for cancer patients undergoing extended treatment. The gift inspired the university to name the residence the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. In total Kimmel has his name attached to four separate cancer-research centers in Philadelphia, San Diego and Baltimore.
As of April 2003, Kimmel and the Sidney Kimmel Foundation had donated an estimated $400 million.
Another cause that Kimmel has contributed towards, has been the center for the performing arts in Philadelphia, which is now named The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
, and is home to the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra
. All together Kimmel has donated $35 million to the Center.
Other contributions from Kimmel include a $5 million donation to The National Constitution Center
in Philadelphia; a $20 million donation to Raymond and Ruth Perelman Jewish Day School in Philadelphia and $25 million for the establishment of a new prostate and urological cancer center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York.
In 2003 Kimmel pledged $25 million to The National Museum of American Jewish History
in Philadelphia. The construction was said to have cost in total $100 million, and opened in 2006 on the museum's existing site facing Independence Mall.
SKE’s diverse upcoming slate includes SKE and Screen Gems remake of SKE’s 2007 production of the British comedy Death at a Funeral, which Frank Oz directed and MGM released. The new film, which recently completed principal photography, stars an ensemble cast of primarily black talent headed by Chris Rock, who also co-produced, co-wrote. Other cast members include Loretta Devine, Ron Glass, Danny Glover, Regina Hall, Martin Lawrence, James Marsden, Tracy Morgan, Zoe Saldana and Columbus Short. Neil LaBute directed. Screen Gems will release in 2010.
SKE, which launched in 2004, financed and/or produced or co-produced 17 motion pictures between 2004 and 2008, including such notable titles as The Kite Runner, United 93
, Breach
, Lars and the Real Girl
, Adventureland
, Death at a Funeral, and Synecdoche, New York
.
Recently, the Company has announced the upcoming projects Old Timers (tentatively titled), a feature comedy to be directed by Jon Amiel
; the comedy Cloudburst, starring Oscar winning actresses Olympia Dukakis
and Brenda Fricker
, with production scheduled for a fall start in Nova Scotia. Thom Fitzgerald
wrote and will direct the film; and a co-production with Greet Street Films and A Bigger Boat entitled Mixed Blood, a thriller to be directed by Phillip Noyce
with Samuel Jackson
set to star. Kelly Masterson
has adapted the screenplay from the Roger Smith
novel of the same name, which was published in mid 2009. In addition, SKE recently acquired the spec script Sunflower, a taught thriller currently out to directors that the Company will co-produce with Vincent Newman Entertainment.
Recently SKE has forged a formal alliance with Nick Meyer’s newly formed company, Sierra Pictures, which will handle all foreign sales and servicing of future SKE titles.
The Kite Runner (film)
The Kite Runner is a 2007 drama film directed by Marc Forster based on the novel of the same name by Khaled Hosseini. It tells the story of Amir, a well-to-do boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul, who is tormented by the guilt of abandoning his friend Hassan, the son of his father's...
. He ranked number 655 in the Forbes
Forbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
list of the richest people alive, in 2010, and is a noted philanthropist who recently donated $25 million to Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer is a charitable program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation established by media, entertainment and philanthropic leaders who have been affected by cancer. SU2C aims to raise significant funds for translational cancer research through online and televised efforts...
.
Personal life
Sidney Kimmel was born in 1929, in a Jewish family, and raised in Philadelphia. He attended Temple UniversityTemple University
Temple University is a comprehensive public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple University is among the nation's largest providers of professional education and prepares the largest body of professional...
. He now lives in California with his wife Caroline.
Professional life
Kimmel founded Jones Apparel GroupJones Apparel Group
The Jones Group, Inc. , a Fortune 500 company, is an American designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded clothing, shoes and accessories. Its headquarters are in New York City. The company also markets directly to consumers through their chain of specialty retail and value-based stores...
in 1970 while working at W. R. Grace and Company
W. R. Grace and Company
W. R. Grace and Company is a Columbia, Maryland, United States based chemical conglomerate.The company has two main divisions, Davison Chemicals and Performance Chemicals. The Davison unit makes chemical catalysts, refining catalysts, and silica-based products that let other companies make...
. Five years later, he purchased the company with a partner. Notable lines produced by Kimmel include: Jones New York, Evan-Picone, 9 West; licensing deals with Ralph Lauren. Stepped down as chief executive officer of Jones in 2002 but remains chairman of the board of directors; has sold most of his shares in the publicly-traded company. Today, he owns art, real estate, movie production outfit Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, and a small stake in the professional NBA basketball team Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
.
Kimmel is an active philanthropist especially with his work with the cure cancer movement. The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins Hospital
The Johns Hopkins Hospital is the teaching hospital and biomedical research facility of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, located in Baltimore, Maryland . It was founded using money from a bequest by philanthropist Johns Hopkins...
as well as the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital carry his name.
Philanthropy
Throughout his philanthropic endeavours, Sidney Kimmel has both founded his own foundation, and donated towards others. His philanthropic focus has been towards healthcare, education, arts and culture. His goal has been to donate $1 billion in total throughout his lifetime.In 1993, Kimmel founded the Sidney Kimmel Foundation. The foundation's Cancer Research division pledged to contribute $120 million to institutions serving healthcare, education, arts and culture. Later, in 2001, the Sidney Kimmel Foundation for Cancer Research donated $150 million to Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
The Johns Hopkins University, commonly referred to as Johns Hopkins, JHU, or simply Hopkins, is a private research university based in Baltimore, Maryland, United States...
. The donation became the largest single gift ever received by the University, and was directed toward the development of a residence for cancer patients undergoing extended treatment. The gift inspired the university to name the residence the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. In total Kimmel has his name attached to four separate cancer-research centers in Philadelphia, San Diego and Baltimore.
As of April 2003, Kimmel and the Sidney Kimmel Foundation had donated an estimated $400 million.
Another cause that Kimmel has contributed towards, has been the center for the performing arts in Philadelphia, which is now named The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is a large performing arts venue located on Broad Street, along the stretch known as the "Avenue of the Arts", in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is owned and operated by Kimmel Center, Inc., an organization which also manages the Academy of Music in...
, and is home to the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
. All together Kimmel has donated $35 million to the Center.
Other contributions from Kimmel include a $5 million donation to The National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is an organization that seeks to expand awareness and understanding of the United States Constitution and operates a museum to advance those purposes....
in Philadelphia; a $20 million donation to Raymond and Ruth Perelman Jewish Day School in Philadelphia and $25 million for the establishment of a new prostate and urological cancer center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York.
In 2003 Kimmel pledged $25 million to The National Museum of American Jewish History
National Museum of American Jewish History
The National Museum of American Jewish History is a Smithsonian- affiliated museum in Center City Philadelphia, located on Independence Mall within the Independence National Historical Park.-Building:...
in Philadelphia. The construction was said to have cost in total $100 million, and opened in 2006 on the museum's existing site facing Independence Mall.
Sidney Kimmel Entertainment
Founded in 2004, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, the Los Angeles-based production, finance and distribution company headed by veteran producer Sidney Kimmel, is focused on financing and producing high-profile, quality filmed entertainment projects for mainstream audiences.SKE’s diverse upcoming slate includes SKE and Screen Gems remake of SKE’s 2007 production of the British comedy Death at a Funeral, which Frank Oz directed and MGM released. The new film, which recently completed principal photography, stars an ensemble cast of primarily black talent headed by Chris Rock, who also co-produced, co-wrote. Other cast members include Loretta Devine, Ron Glass, Danny Glover, Regina Hall, Martin Lawrence, James Marsden, Tracy Morgan, Zoe Saldana and Columbus Short. Neil LaBute directed. Screen Gems will release in 2010.
SKE, which launched in 2004, financed and/or produced or co-produced 17 motion pictures between 2004 and 2008, including such notable titles as The Kite Runner, United 93
United 93 (film)
United 93 is a 2006 fact-based historical drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Paul Greengrass that chronicles events aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked during the September 11 attacks...
, Breach
Breach (film)
Breach is a 2007 American historical drama directed by Billy Ray. The screenplay by Ray, Adam Mazer, and William Rotko is based on the true story of Robert Hanssen, an FBI agent convicted of spying for the Soviet Union and later Russia for more than two decades, and Eric O'Neill, who worked as his...
, Lars and the Real Girl
Lars and the Real Girl
Lars and the Real Girl is a 2007 American-Canadian comedy-drama film written by Nancy Oliver and directed by Craig Gillespie. It stars Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner and Patricia Clarkson...
, Adventureland
Adventureland (film)
Adventureland is a 2009 Retro comedy-drama film written and directed by Greg Mottola. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Margarita Levieva, Ryan Reynolds, Martin Starr, Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig.-Plot:...
, Death at a Funeral, and Synecdoche, New York
Synecdoche, New York
Synecdoche, New York is a 2008 American drama film written and directed by Charlie Kaufman, and starring Philip Seymour Hoffman. It was Kaufman's directorial debut.The film premiered in competition at the 61st Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2008...
.
Recently, the Company has announced the upcoming projects Old Timers (tentatively titled), a feature comedy to be directed by Jon Amiel
Jon Amiel
Jon Amiel is an English film director who has since the early 1980s worked in film and television in both the UK and the US.-Early life:...
; the comedy Cloudburst, starring Oscar winning actresses Olympia Dukakis
Olympia Dukakis
Olympia Dukakis is an American actress. In 1987, she won an Academy Award, BAFTA, and a Golden Globe for her performance in Moonstruck...
and Brenda Fricker
Brenda Fricker
Brenda Fricker is an Irish actress of theatre, film and television. She had appeared in more than 30 films and television roles...
, with production scheduled for a fall start in Nova Scotia. Thom Fitzgerald
Thom Fitzgerald
Thomas "Thom" Fitzgerald is an award winning American-Canadian film director as well live theater director.-Life:Fitzgerald was born and raised in New Rochelle, New York. His parents divorced when he was five years old. He moved with his mother and brother, Timothy Jr., to Bergenfield, New Jersey,...
wrote and will direct the film; and a co-production with Greet Street Films and A Bigger Boat entitled Mixed Blood, a thriller to be directed by Phillip Noyce
Phillip Noyce
Phillip Noyce is an Australian film director.-Life and career:Noyce was born in Griffith, New South Wales, attended Barker College, Sydney, and began making short films at the age of 18, starting with Better to Reign in Hell, using his friends as the cast...
with Samuel Jackson
Sam Peter Jackson
Sam Peter Jackson is a playwright and actor best known for writing the play "Public Property", which ran at the Trafalgar Studios in London's West End in 2009 starring Nigel Harman, Robert Daws and Steven Webb and was nominated for a 2010 WhatsOnStage Theatregoers' Choice Award as Best New...
set to star. Kelly Masterson
Kelly Masterson
Kelly Masterson is an American screenwriter, playwright and writer who currently lives in New Jersey. He wrote the screenplay for the film Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, for which he is best known. Before moving to New York to stage several of his early plays, he studied Theology at the...
has adapted the screenplay from the Roger Smith
Roger Guenveur Smith
Roger Guenveur Smith is an American actor, director, and writer.-Early life:Smith was born in Berkeley, California, the son of Helen Guenveur, a dentist, and Sherman Smith, a judge...
novel of the same name, which was published in mid 2009. In addition, SKE recently acquired the spec script Sunflower, a taught thriller currently out to directors that the Company will co-produce with Vincent Newman Entertainment.
Recently SKE has forged a formal alliance with Nick Meyer’s newly formed company, Sierra Pictures, which will handle all foreign sales and servicing of future SKE titles.
Selected filmography
- NeverwasNeverwasNeverwas is a 2005 English film written and directed by Joshua Michael Stern, starring Ian McKellen, Aaron Eckhart, Brittany Murphy and Nick Nolte.It was first shown at the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival...
(2005; producer) - The Emperor's ClubThe Emperor's ClubThe Emperor's Club is a 2002 drama film that tells the story of a prep school teacher and his students. Based on Ethan Canin's short story "The Palace Thief," the film is directed by Michael Hoffman and stars Kevin Kline. The film is set at a fictional boys' prep school, St. Benedict's Academy,...
(2002; executive producer) - The Perfect YouCrazy Little ThingCrazy Little Thing is a 2002 romantic comedy film written and directed by Matthew Miller. The film stars Chris Eigeman and Jenny McCarthy.- Cast :* Chris Eigeman as Jimmy* Jenny McCarthy as Whitney Ann Barnsley...
(2002; executive producer) - Strut! (2001; executive producer)
- Town & CountryTown & Country (film)Town & Country is a 2001 film starring Goldie Hawn, Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton and Garry Shandling and directed by Peter Chelsom. It is a romantic comedy in which Beatty plays New York City architect Porter Stoddard, with Keaton as his wife and Hawn and Shandling as their best friends. It holds...
(2001; executive producer) - Famous (2000) (executive producer)
- Curtain CallCurtain Call (1999 film)Curtain Call is a 1999 film directed by Peter Yates. It stars James Spader and Polly Walker.-Cast:*James Spader as Stevenson Lowe*Polly Walker as Julia*Michael Caine as Max Gale*Maggie Smith as Lily Marlowe*Buck Henry as Charles Van Allsburg...
(1999; executive producer) - Separation Anxiety (1997; executive producer)
- MotherMother (1996 film)Mother is a 1996 comedy-drama film directed by Albert Brooks, and was co-written by Brooks with Monica Johnson. The film stars Brooks and Debbie Reynolds.-Plot:...
(1996/I; executive producer; as Sydney Kimmel) - The Night We Never Met (1993; executive producer)
- Nine 1/2 Weeks9½ Weeks9½ Weeks is a 1986 erotic drama film directed by Adrian Lyne and starring Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger. It is based on the novel of the same name by Elizabeth McNeill....
(1986; producer) - The Clan of the Cave BearThe Clan of the Cave Bear (film)The Clan of the Cave Bear is a 1986 film based on the book of the same name by Jean M. Auel and was directed by Michael Chapman.-Plot:The film stars Daryl Hannah as Ayla, a young Cro-Magnon woman who was separated from her family during an earthquake and found by a group of Neanderthals...
(1986; co-executive producer)