Hollywood has lost a legendary figure in Fred Roos. A pioneering casting director turned producer, Roos was known for his crucial role in launching the careers of some of the industry’s biggest names. According to his family and publicist, Roos passed away at his Beverly Hills, California home on May 18, 2024 at 89.
Roos’ career began in the 1960s when he transitioned from working in a talent agency’s mailroom to becoming a renowned casting director. His talent for spotting potential transformed the lives of many actors. One of his notable early discoveries was Jack Nicholson, who Roos cast in low-budget films such as “Flight to Fury” and “Back Door to Hell” in 1964. Roos admired Nicholson’s unique appeal, noting, “His face and look was anything but what was going on in the industry.”
Roos’ collaboration with director Francis Ford Coppola was particularly influential. He was the casting director for Coppola’s “The Godfather,” where he played a pivotal role in casting Al Pacino and James Caan despite the studio’s initial resistance. Coppola acknowledged Roos’ invaluable contributions in a 2004 interview, saying, “There’s no doubt in my mind that Fred is one of the great casting talents in the last 40 years of American movies.”
His impact extended beyond casting; as a producer, Roos shared the 1975 Academy Award for Best Picture with Coppola for “The Godfather Part II.” He also produced other landmark films such as “Apocalypse Now,” “The Conversation” and “American Graffiti.” His partnership with Coppola spanned decades, and he was instrumental in many of Coppola’s projects, including those directed by Coppola’s daughter, Sofia Coppola. For instance, Roos was the producer behind her debut film, “The Virgin Suicides,” where he brought Josh Hartnett to Coppola’s attention.
Roos was not just a producer and casting director but a mentor to many. He helped launch the careers of actors like Harrison Ford, who was working as a carpenter at Roos’ house when he was “discovered”. Roos then recommended him for roles in “American Graffiti” and “Star Wars,” and also suggested Carrie Fisher for the role of Princess Leia. Other actors whom he helped cast included Tom Cruise, Nicholas Cage, Diane Keaton, Richard Dreyfuss, Diane Lane, Rob Lowe, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, Ralph Macchio, and Suzanne Somers.
His influence on the film industry was profound, continuing into his later years with projects like “Megalopolis,” which premiered at Cannes just days before his passing. Roos’ family emphasized his dedication to filmmaking, stating, “He was determined to never retire from the film business and to go with his boots on. He got his wish.”
Roos leaves behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire. His work shaped the careers of many Hollywood icons and left an indelible mark on the industry itself. He is survived by his wife, longtime partner, Nancy Drew, and his son and producing partner at FR Productions, Alexander “Sandy” Roos.