'Scarface' producer and Al Pacino's Hollywood godfather Martin Bregman dies at 92
Martin Bregman, the revered film producer of movies such as 'Scarface,' 'Serpico,' 'The Panic in Needle Park' and Sea of Life' died at the age of 92 over the weekend. The New York-based producer's death was confirmed by his widow Cornelia, who revealed to News 4’s Chuck Scarborough that his passing has been attributed to cerebral hemorrhage.
Further, Bregman's son Michael Bregman also revealed that his father was rushed to the Weill Cornell Presbyterian Hospital on East 68th Street early Saturday morning.
Michael, who has co-produced with his father on multiple films including 'The Bone Collector' and 'Carlito’s Way' told Deadline, “It was surprising and surreal; my sister reached me at 1 am and said come quickly, there’s not much time,” further adding, “We were by his side when he passed at 5:45 p.m Saturday. You don’t expect it when it hits, but he had suffered a couple of strokes and hadn’t been doing great before this massive cerebral hemorrhage. It was quick and peaceful.”
Bregman was a revered man in the film industry. Born in 1926 and raised in the Bronx, Bregman was hit with a bout of polio when he was four, because of which he would always be seen with a cane.
In his obituary of sorts for his father, Michael reveals that Bregman, despite the physical memory of his sickness, had never bowed down to anyone. From a young age he had to fend for himself, and that began with selling liquor by the gallon to night clubs.
“Back then, the club entertainment was singers, and he helped them get more money by playing over here, playing over there. He started signing them, not knowing what he was doing, but the singers were getting more money than they had before. That was his start,” relates Michael.
He went on to represent huge celebrities such as Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand. However, it was his association with stage actress Sandy Dennis who took him to see an off Broadway show, where he was impressed with a star hitherto undiscovered – Al Pacino. That monumental meeting redefined Hollywood.
Bregman nurtured the talent of Pacino and their collaboration brought the world masterpieces such as 'Serpico' (1973), 'Dog Day Afternoon' (1975). 'Scarface' (1983), 'Carlito’s Way' (1993) and 'Sea of Love' (1989).
Many have expressed their condolences over his death on social media:
"It was a Privilege and Honor to meet one the GREATEST FILM PRODUCER IN THE WORLD MARTIN BREGMAN PRODUCER (SCARFACE AND CARLITOS WAY ...BONE COLLECTOR 🙏🏿🙏🏿 REST IN HEAVEN...NEVER FORGOTTEN," tweeted Kendrick R Smith.
"Every actor needs a Martin Bregman in their life. #RIP #martinbregman," tweeted KRISTOFFER.
"RIP Martin Bregman, thank your for the timeless classics you’ve left with us 🖤💔," tweeted AngiePacino.
Bregman is survived by his wife, actress Cornelia Sharpe, whom he married in 1981, and three children Michael, Chris, and Marissa.