Jim Tauber, an influential figure in the film industry and a dedicated entrepreneur in his later years, has died at the age of 74. Deadline reported that Tauber passed away due to complications from multiple myeloma, concluding a diverse and impactful career.
Born in the vibrant 1960s, Tauber's life was frequently interspersed with iconic cultural moments, including attending the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969. Tauber embarked on his career in the film industry by taking up significant roles in various major film studios.
At Columbia TriStar Pictures, he served as Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Business/Legal Affairs, where he contributed to the production of over 50 feature films, including the groundbreaking "Sex, lies, and Videotape."
His career trajectory then led him to Propaganda Films, where he held the position of president and produced acclaimed films such as "Being John Malkovich" and "Wild at Heart." These roles highlighted his knack for spotting and nurturing cinematic talent and innovative storytelling, which would define much of his career.
In 2005, Jim Tauber took on the role of president and COO at Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, a position he would hold for a decade. During his tenure, he supervised the production of about 30 films. This period was marked by several critically acclaimed projects, including "Hell or High Water," "The Place Beyond the Pines," and "Synecdoche, New York,"
His leadership not only propelled the company to new artistic heights but also solidified its reputation in the industry as a hub for creative cinema.
Sydney Kimmel, the founder of Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, praised Tauber's contributions, stating on his retirement that, “He’s successfully overseen all of our productions for a decade and has been key to our success and growth.”
Tauber himself reflected positively on his tenure, recognizing it as a career highlight. Upon retiring, he acknowledged the support of Sydney Kimmel, emphasizing it as instrumental in his pursuit of new professional chapters.
Following his illustrious career in the entertainment industry, Jim Tauber embraced a completely different professional path.
He became a licensed psychotherapist, working closely with his wife, Laura Newman. This career shift underscored his lifelong interest in human psychology and his desire to positively impact individual lives beyond the cinema screen.
In 2022, further expanding his entrepreneurial venture, Tauber, together with his wife, opened Lefty’s Coffee. The coffee shop in their local community focused heavily on ethical sourcing and sustainability, reflecting Tauber's growing commitment to environmental issues.
Lefty’s Coffee became a manifestation of Tauber’s values, where he could channel his passion for sustainability into his daily work, offering a meeting place grounded in community and ethical business practices.
Jim Tauber's life was not just marked by professional accomplishments but also by a vibrant personal life. He is survived by his wife, Laura Newman, and their daughters J. Lucy, Dixie, and Zazu, as well as his sister Joanie.
His family, though grieving, celebrated his multi-faceted life and the profound impact he had on both the people close to him and the numerous industries he touched.
The private nature of his funeral reflects his family's desire for intimacy in commemorating his life, while a public celebration of his life is scheduled for a later date to allow friends, colleagues, and admirers to honor his legacy.
Reflecting on Tauber’s unique contributions to film and his latter humanitarian pursuits, longtime friend and collaborator Bill Horberg commented, “He had a wonderful, droll sense of humor — a godsend in an endeavor with so much absurdity baked in,” encapsulating the essence of Tauber’s ability to navigate complex creative and professional landscapes with humor and wisdom.