Steve Mensch, a key figure in promoting Georgia’s film industry, died in a plane crash in Florida on Friday at the age of 62. The sole occupant of the aircraft, which crashed on Highway 19 in Homosassa, was the president of Tyler Perry Studios.
Mensch spent over eight years leading the studio and had managed its 330-acre site in Atlanta, previously home to Fort McPherson. He worked closely with Tyler Perry, who bought the decommissioned base for $30 million in 2015.
Before joining Tyler Perry Studios, Mensch held leadership roles at Feature Systems Inc., Turner Broadcasting, and Qingdao Oriental Movie Industrial Park. He was known for his efforts to support Georgia-based entertainment companies through lobbying and policy advocacy.
Mensch is survived by his wife and three children. A film starring Kerry Washington premiered at the studio on the day of his death, marking a tribute to his work in promoting the industry. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/08/arts/television/steve-mensch-dead.html