Who was David Weitzner? Hollywood marketing executive behind 'Star Wars' dies at 86

David Weitzner has passed away aged 86. He was a marketing executive at Hollywood with an extensive resume of blockbusters under his belt. He oversaw marketing campaigns for Star Wars, Fast Times at Ridgemont High and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, amongst others.

The University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts announced the news of Weitzner’s passing on September 11, 2025, stating that he had passed in his home in Calabasas on September 1, following a brief illness. He had been an adjunct professor at the institution for more than fifteen years.

More details about David Weitzner explored as Hollywood marketing executive passes away at 86

Weitzner grew up in New York and ventured into Hollywood as a marketer at Grey Advertising. He climbed the corporate ladder to become the VP and general manager of the Entertainment Marketing Division, where he managed accounts for Warner Bros and ABC Pictures.

He also led campaigns for blockbusters like They Shoot Horses, The Heartbreak Kid and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. He became VP of marketing at 20th Century Fox in 1976 and oversaw marketing campaigns for Star Wars and Breaking Away.

He moved to Universal Pictures in 1980, was appointed Worldwide Marketing president, and managed campaigns for Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Coal Miner’s Daughter. He also worked for Embassy Pictures on This Is Spinal Tap and The Cruisers.

David Weitzner was married to Joan, and they had three children together: Jonathan Rosenthal, Dana Weitzner-Bergman, Jason Weitzner and grandchildren Sam, Tyler, and Chloe.

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