Bob Laemmle, Longtime Leader of Laemmle Theatres, Dies at 89

The third-generation cinema operator was pivotal in sustaining Los Angeles' art-house film scene and fostering independent cinema.

Bob Laemmle passed away on Thursday at the age of 89 at Berkley East Healthcare Center in Santa Monica, following a fall at his home on December 23.
Born in Paris in 1935, Laemmle immigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1938, the same year his father and uncle launched the first Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles.
He joined the family business in 1961, eventually taking over from his father, Max Laemmle, and officially retiring in 2004, though he remained involved until 2020.
Under his leadership, Laemmle Theatres became a cornerstone for showcasing foreign, independent, and art-house films in Los Angeles, supporting filmmakers and the local community.
Laemmle is survived by his wife Michelle, nine children, and 13 grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of three generations in the film exhibition industry.