Al Ruddy, the renowned producer behind the iconic film *The Godfather*, has passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness. A family spokesperson confirmed that Ruddy died on May 25 at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Centre
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Ruddy, a Canadian-American film and television producer, was best known for his work on the 1972 classic *The Godfather* and the 2004 film *Million Dollar Baby*. Both films earned him the Academy Award for Best Picture, solidifying his legacy in Hollywood.
Tributes have poured in from the entertainment industry. Dexter Fletcher, director of *The Offer*, a miniseries about the making of *The Godfather*, praised Ruddy as "one of the great Hollywood mavericks" and "one of the last Mohicans who created great movies which still influence and inspire to this day." He commended Ruddy's determination, energy, and passion for filmmaking
.Al Pacino, who famously portrayed Michael Corleone in *The Godfather*, remembered Ruddy as being "absolutely beautiful to me the whole time on *The Godfather*; even when they didn’t want me, he wanted me." Pacino added, "He gave me the gift of encouragement when I needed it most, and I’ll never forget it."
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lint Eastwood also paid tribute to Ruddy, describing him as "a great friend of mine and I will deeply miss him."Ruddy was married to Francoise Ruddy during the making of *The Godfather*. He later married Wanda McDaniel, the mother of his two children and an executive vice president for Giorgio Armani.
In 2022, *The Offer* was released, with Ruddy serving as an executive producer. The miniseries, in which Miles Teller portrayed him, dramatizes the production challenges of *The Godfather*.
Ruddy's career was marked by his significant contributions to the film industry, and he leaves behind a legacy of cinematic excellence. His influence and the films he produced will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers.
