Broadway Producer and Film Exec Henry Guettel Passes Away

Film executive and Broadway producer Henry Guettel died of pneumonia on October 7, 2013, in Southampton, New York, according to his wife Mary Rodgers Guettel. He was 85.

From September 1982 to February 1993, Guettel was the Executive Director of Theatre Development Fund, the not-for-profit performing arts service organization best known for operating the TKTS Booths. Prior to that he was Senior Vice President, East Coast Productions, of Twentieth Century Fox and Vice President, Creative Affairs at Columbia Pictures.

Among the Broadway productions he was involved with were SUGAR BABIES and IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?

Born in Kansas City, Missouri on January 8, 1928, Guettel's early career included "nearly every capacity connected with the presentation of live entertainment before an audience," according to the biography in one of his most successful productions, a touring version of the original Broadway production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

He loved producing for the road, and participated in several post-Broadway runs including THE BEST MAN, CAMELOT and OLIVER! He was the General Manager of the Music Theatre of Lincoln Center from 1964 through 1967. In that capacity he was the producer of several workshop productions of new musicals at the Forum Theater, now the Mitzi Newhouse. Several anniversary and commemorative concerts were produced by Guettel as well.

His first foray into film was as Vice President, Production, of Cinema 5 Ltd. He also worked at Kaplan Veidt Associates. He served on many boards, and at his death he was a member of the Board of Directors of New 42nd Street.

He leaves behind his wife, Mary Rodgers Guettel, his children Adam Guettel and Alec Guettel, his stepchildren Tod Beaty, Kim Beaty, and Nina Beaty, and 6 grandchildren.

Pictured: Mary Rodgers Guettel and Henry Guettel. Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas Garcia.