The former president of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences died on January 28 following a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 68.

Sherak’s family issued a statement that confirmed the news and said he passed away at his Calabasas home in California surrounded by family members.

Sherak served three terms as Academy president and before that had been a longtime Fox and Revolution Studios executive, working in marketing and production. He most recently served as Los Angeles’ first film czar for the nominal salary of $1.

A ceremony to present Sherak with his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame was moved up from February to Tuesday (28).

“Tom is, was, and always will be, our loving husband, daddy, papa, brother, friend, and ‘Go to Guy’, the family statement said. “He blessed this earth for 68 incredible years, and he will be missed every single day.

“Tom lived his life as an open book. He opened his heart and let the world in, and anyone who was lucky enough to know him knew first-hand the power of his love. He gave everything he had to help others, regardless of whether or not he knew them. Tom is a true hero in our lives who has a star on the sidewalk and wings to fly. We love him so very much.”

Hawk Koch, the former president of the Academy who currently serves as president of the Producers Guild Of America, described Sherak as “an incredible man who had a zeal for life unlike anyone I’ve ever known.”

Koch continued, “He was a real advocate for our industry and his sheer determination to move the Academy forward was paramount and has had a profound effect on all of us. I’m deeply saddened by this news and my heart goes out to Madeleine and his entire family.”

Senator Chris Dodd, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association Of America, said the industry had lost “one of its greatest advocates.”

Dodd’s statement went on: “Tom was a true Hollywood veteran, having started his career at Paramount Pictures in 1970 and heading the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences as President for three terms.

“He dedicated his life to the movies, helping to share some of our greatest stories with the world. Tom’s loss will be felt by the entire entertainment industry, and I send my thoughts and prayers to his family at this difficult time.”   

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