Remembering David

 

David Siegel , a veteran producer who worked on films including "The Hangover ” trilogy, “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and more, died on Jan. 8 in Los Angeles. He was 70 years old.

Over the last four decades, Siegel contributed to a number of the most enduring studio films, collaborating with filmmakers including Kevin Costner, Todd Phillips, Rob Reiner, Penny Marshall and David Lester. As a production manager and line producer, Siegel was a part of the creation of beloved movies including “Dances with Wolves,” “Gravity,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “The LEGO Movie,” “War Dogs,” “Serenity,” “Holes,” “Air Force One” and “Bull Durham,” among many others. On “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” his final project, Siegel served as the executive producer.  

 Siegel was highly adept at handling the challenges that came with bringing movies to life and was widely regarded as a problem-solver and outside-the-box thinker, both of which contributed to his successful producing career. He also collaborated with studios including Warner Bros., Disney, Universal, New Line Cinema, Columbia Pictures, Touchstone Pictures and Paramount.  

 

Before Siegel moved into producing, he started his career in Washington, D.C., co-founding a location services company. He worked as a motion picture transportation coordinator for more than a decade, which provided him with the strong foundational knowledge required to flourish in Hollywood and to bring a film to screen. Siegel was a member of the DGA, PGA, SAG-AFTRA and the Teamsters union. 

Colleagues often remarked the ease at which Siegel could connect with a crew, which was one of his key characteristics. On every set he worked on, he was invaluable not only for his role as a producer but as a human presence, frequently mentoring individuals during productions and giving opportunities to hard-workers who were curious about getting involved. 

 Siegel is survived by his wife, Janet Siegel, and his daughters, Emma Sandler (Yoni) and Mollie Ennis (Sawyer). He is also survived by his sister, Judy Siegel Schmauss, and his grandchildren, Maya, Logan and Indigo. A memorial for family and friends will be held on Jan. 25.