Date of Birth: August 19, 1946
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: December 20, 1997
Biography
Dawn Steel was a pioneering American businesswoman and film executive, born on August 19, 1946, in New York City. She made history as one of the first women to head a major Hollywood studio. Steel began her career in publishing but quickly transitioned to the film industry, joining Paramount Pictures in 1978. Her knack for identifying hit films led to her rapid ascent, culminating in her appointment as President of Production at Paramount in 1985. In 1987, she became the first female President of a major American film studio when she was named President of Columbia Pictures. During her tenure, she oversaw the production of numerous successful films, including “Ghostbusters II” and “When Harry Met Sally.” After leaving Columbia, she founded Steel Pictures, producing notable films such as “Cool Runnings.” Dawn Steel passed away on December 20, 1997, but her legacy as a trailblazer for women in the film industry endures.
5 Interesting Facts about Dawn Steel
1. Dawn Steel was one of the first women to head a major Hollywood studio, Columbia Pictures.
2. She started her career in publishing before moving to the film industry.
3. Steel was instrumental in the production of iconic 1980s films like “Flashdance” and “Top Gun.”
4. She authored an autobiography, “They Can Kill You But They Can’t Eat You,” which was published in 1993.
5. She was a graduate of New York University.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dawn Steel
1. “I wanted to be the best at what I was doing, and I wanted to be recognized for it.”
2. “I was driven by an ambition so fierce that it often overwhelmed my sense of caution.”
3. “I believe in taking risks. If you don’t take risks, you’re not going to be successful.”
4. “You have to be willing to work harder than anyone else and never give up.”
5. “The movie business is a tough business. You have to be tough to survive.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Dawn Steel’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Dawn Steel had one daughter, named Rebecca Steel Roven, who has also pursued a career in the entertainment industry.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: Dawn Steel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_Steel
2. [IMDb: Dawn Steel](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0824527/
4. [Biography.com: Dawn Steel](https://www.biography.com/business-figure/dawn-steel
5. [Autobiography on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/They-Kill-You-Cant-Eat/dp/0671796046