Harvey Weinstein

ABOUT

Harvey Weinstein is an American former film producer and co-founder of the entertainment company Miramax and The Weinstein Company. Born on March 19, 1952, in Flushing, Queens, New York, Weinstein played a pivotal role in the independent film movement of the 1990s. Throughout his career, he produced and distributed numerous critically acclaimed films, including "Pulp Fiction," "Good Will Hunting," and "Shakespeare in Love." However, his career came to an abrupt end in 2017 when numerous allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct were brought against him, leading to his imprisonment and the rise of the #MeToo movement.

BEFORE FAME

Weinstein grew up in a Jewish family and attended the University at Buffalo. He, along with his younger brother Bob, co-founded the concert promotion company Harvey & Corky Productions in the 1970s. The success of this venture allowed them to transition into film production, leading to the creation of Miramax in 1979. Named after their parents, Miriam and Max, Miramax quickly became a powerhouse in the independent film industry.

TRIVIA

• Weinstein’s Miramax was acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 1993.
• "Shakespeare in Love," produced by Weinstein, won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1999.
• In 2017, The New York Times and The New Yorker published investigative articles that detailed allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct against him.
• These revelations contributed to significant cultural and societal changes, including the #MeToo movement.
• As of his downfall, Weinstein has been convicted of multiple crimes related to sexual assault and is serving a prison sentence.

FAMILY LIFE

Harvey Weinstein was married twice. His first marriage was to Eve Chilton, with whom he had three daughters: Remy (formerly Lily), Emma, and Ruth. The couple divorced in 2004. He later married fashion designer and actress Georgina Chapman in 2007, and they have two children together, India Pearl and Dashiell. Chapman left Weinstein in 2017 following the public revelation of his sexual misconduct.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his career, Weinstein associated with numerous prominent figures in the film industry. He collaborated with Quentin Tarantino on several projects, including the highly successful "Pulp Fiction." He also worked with directors like Kevin Smith and actors such as Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Gwyneth Paltrow. His ability to generate Oscar buzz and secure awards for his films made him one of Hollywood's most influential producers, albeit one whose legacy has been irrevocably tarnished by his criminal behavior.