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Helene Hahn Loyd, Disney and DreamWorks Executive, Dies at 78
Confirmed
In Short: Helene Hahn Loyd, a pioneering executive in the film industry, has died at 78.
Born Helene Burlakoff on July 13, 1948, in Westbury, New York, Loyd was the youngest of three children.
Loyd earned her law degree from Loyola Law School in 1975 and joined Paramount in 1977, rising to senior vice president and establishing a reputation as a formidable dealmaker.
In 1981, Loyd was named executive vice president at Walt Disney Studios, becoming one of the highest-ranking women in the film industry at the time.
Loyd was recruited to help build DreamWorks SKG in 1994, alongside Steven Spielberg, David Geffen, and Jeffrey Katzenberg.
At DreamWorks, Loyd served as chief operating officer, contributing significantly to the studio's early success.
After leaving DreamWorks in 2004, Loyd moved to Park City, Utah, where she pursued skiing with the same intensity she brought to her work in Hollywood.
Throughout her career, Loyd mentored many up-and-coming female executives, many of whom went on to become leaders in their fields.
Loyd's husband of over two decades, Charles “Chuck” Loyd Jr., died in July.
What this adds
TheWrap and Variety provided additional details about Loyd's early career and her impact on the film industry.
What's confirmed
- She was recruited as one of the first executives to build DreamWorks SKG in 1994, which was founded by Katzenberg, Steven Spielberg and David Geffen.
- The executive’s husband of over two decades, Charles “Chuck” Loyd Jr., died in July.
- During the duration of her career, Loyd served as a mentor to many upcoming female executives.
- Helene Hahn Loyd, the former Disney evp and one of the original executives at DreamWorks SKG, has died.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.