Quick Facts
Biography
Leo Jaffe (23 April 1909 in New York City, New York – 20 August 1997 in New York City, New York) was an American film executive. He was chairman of the board of Columbia Pictures from 1973 until his retirement in 1981. He is the father of film producer Stanley R. Jaffe and film agent Andrea Jaffe.
The son of Lithuanian immigrants, Jaffe began working in a glue factory in the Bronx to put himself through college. After graduating, he began working in the mailroom at Columbia, eventually working his way to the top.
In 1968, Jaffe received the Bronze Medallion, New York City's highest civilian honor. In 1979, Jaffe received the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Jean Hersholt Award.
In 1994, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to him.