Mike Todd

Date of Birth: June 22, 1909

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: March 22, 1958

Biography

Michael “Mike” Todd was an innovative American theater and film producer known for his pioneering work in the entertainment industry. Born on June 22, 1909, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Todd began his career in the theater during the 1930s. He quickly gained a reputation for his bold, unconventional productions and his knack for spectacle. Among his most notable achievements was his role as the producer of the 1956 epic film “Around the World in 80 Days,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Todd was also a key figure in the development of the widescreen film format known as Todd-AO, which enhanced the viewing experience with greater image clarity and depth. He was married to famed actress Elizabeth Taylor at the time of his tragic death in a plane crash in 1958.

5 Interesting Facts about Mike Todd

1. Mike Todd was the third of six children born to a Polish Jewish family.

2. He dropped out of high school at the age of 15 and started his own construction company.

3. Todd was an early adopter of the widescreen film format and co-developed Todd-AO, an innovative film technology.

4. His marriage to Elizabeth Taylor was his third, and they were considered one of Hollywood’s most glamorous couples.

5. He produced the Broadway sensation “Michael Todd’s Peep Show,” which was considered one of the most successful productions of its time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mike Todd

1. “I’ve never been poor, only broke. Being poor is a frame of mind. Being broke is only a temporary situation.”

2. “Life is a gamble, at terrible odds—if it was a bet you wouldn’t take it.”

3. “I was never a great beauty. But I was a great personality.”

4. “I don’t think that success is measured by the amount of money you have.”

5. “The only way to enjoy life is to work. Work is much more fun than fun.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Mike Todd’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, which would be equivalent to approximately $45 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Mike Todd had three children: 1. Mike Todd Jr. (from his first marriage to Bertha Freshman Todd) 2. Susan McKenney Todd (from his marriage to Joan Blondell) 3. Liza Todd (from his marriage to Elizabeth Taylor)