Film Producer James G. Robinson, Co-Founder of Morgan Creek, Passes Away at 90
James G. Robinson, the acclaimed producer and co-founder of Morgan Creek Productions, passed away on February 15 at the age of 90. His family confirmed the news, noting that he died peacefully in Lutherville, Maryland. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Robinson co-founded Morgan Creek Productions in 1988 alongside Joe Roth, playing a key role in the success of many well-known films. The studio is recognized for producing hits such as Major League and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, along with Dead Ringers, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and True Romance.
Before his venture into film, Robinson was a successful automobile executive in Baltimore, reportedly investing $80 million of his own money to launch Morgan Creek. The company found early success with the 1988 film Young Guns, which starred notable actors including Emilio Estevez and Kiefer Sutherland.
“In 1979, Jim became involved in the film industry through bridge financing,” his family stated. “After selling Subaru Mid America in 1988, he co-founded Morgan Creek Productions. Under his leadership, the company grew to become one of the largest independent film production companies in the world, producing numerous successful and influential films. His passion for storytelling and bold approach to filmmaking and business left a lasting mark on the industry.”
Robinson, born on December 16, 1935, in Baltimore, founded Maryland Undercoating in 1964. His foray into Hollywood financing began in the mid-1980s when he collaborated with Roth as an executive producer on the 1984 film The Stone Boy, which featured Robert Duvall and Glenn Close. He soon participated in other notable 1980s projects such as Girls Just Want to Have Fun and Where the River Runs Black.
Following Roth’s departure from Morgan Creek in 1989, Robinson continued to lead the studio, overseeing iconic films like Major League (1989), Dead Ringers (1988), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), True Romance (1993), and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994).
Morgan Creek’s extensive portfolio also includes films like Enemeis, A Love Story (1989), Skin Deep (1989), Pacific Heights (1990), Freejack (1992), White Sands (1992), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Diabolique (1996), Soldier (1998), American Outlaws (2001), The Good Shepherd (2006), and Georgia Rule (2007). Recent credits include The Exorcist: Believer (2023) and the Amazon Prime series Dead Ringers (2023).
Robinson is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara, as well as their children Michael, Patrick, Brian, David, Thomas, and Beth, their spouses, and eight grandchildren.
