Mike Todd Jr.
American film producer (1929–2002)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Michael Henry Todd Jr. (October 8, 1929 – May 5, 2002) was an American film producer. He was involved in innovations such as the movie format Smell-o-vision, and the production of a racially-integrated minstrel show for the 1964 World's Fair.
Mike Todd Jr. | |
|---|---|
In 1958. | |
| Born | October 8, 1929 |
| Died | May 5, 2002 (aged 72) County Carlow, Ireland |
| Spouses | Sarah Jane Weaver
(m. 1953; died 1972)Susan McCarthy (m. 1972) |
| Children | 8 |
Early life
Todd was born to movie producer and cinema pioneer Mike Todd and his first wife, Bertha Freshman Todd.[1] He was also a stepson of Elizabeth Taylor even though he was older than his famous stepmother through his father's third marriage.[2]
Career
Todd was vice president of his father's company, Cinerama, and was responsible for filming the famous roller-coaster scene from the company's debut film, This is Cinerama (1952). He is also known for introducing the short-lived movie format Smell-o-vision, used in the 1960 film Scent of Mystery, which he produced. It was re-released as Holiday in Spain without smells.[3][4]
Following in his father's footsteps of producing attractions for World's Fairs, Todd Jr. produced a racially integrated minstrel show for the 1964 New York World's Fair, called "America, Be Seated". It closed after two performances.[5]
Personal life and death
Todd was first married [1953–1972] to Sarah Jane Weaver, and they had six children: Cyrus, Susan, Sarah, Eliza Haselton, Daniel, and Oliver Todd. Later, then married [1972–2002] to Susan McCarthy, Todd had two more children: Del and James.[5]
In 1983, Todd and his wife Susan McCarthy wrote a biography of Todd Sr. called A Valuable Property: The Life Story of Michael Todd. (ISBN 0-87795-491-7)[5]
On May 5, 2002, Michael Todd died in Ireland of lung cancer, at the age of 72, with all of his children and his second wife surviving him.[5]