LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Judy Solomon, who led the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) for six terms and helped shape the Golden Globes into a global award show, died on Friday, July 14. He was 91. The HFPA did not disclose the cause or location of her death.
Solomon, who was born in Romania and grew up in Israel, moved to the United States and became an entertainment feature writer for various Israeli publications. She joined the HFPA in 1956 and became one of its most influential members.
She helped evolve Golden Globes into the 'world-spanning award it is today'
She oversaw many changes to the Golden Globes such as bringing in Dick Clark as a producer and moving the ceremony from the Cocoanut Grove Club to the Beverly Hilton Hotel. “We are incredibly saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Judy Solomon. The loss is profound, but we take this opportunity to celebrate her incredible achievements in helping evolve the Golden Globes into the world-spanning award it is today,” said Helen Hoehne, the current president of the HFPA, in a statement.
'She loved the people she met' and shunned Industry honors
Solomon also supported the work of foreign journalists in Hollywood and expanded the HFPA’s philanthropic efforts in arts, education, film restoration, and journalism with the proceeds from the award show.
She was a trailblazing female leader in the entertainment industry at a time when women were not visible in key roles. However, she shunned industry honors and recognition for her accomplishments, the HFPA noted. “She loved Hollywood,” Hoehne added. “She loved the people she met, the executives she collaborated with and the rich tapestry of films and television that audiences around the world enjoyed.”
Solomon's family
Solomon is survived by her daughters Donna Sloan and Deborah Solomon, son-in-law Stephen Sloan, and granddaughter Ashley Sloan. Funeral services will be announced by the family. The HFPA, which has been embroiled in controversy over its lack of diversity and ethical issues, recently dissolved itself and transferred its assets to a new nonprofit organization called Golden Globe Awards Inc., which is co-owned by Eldridge Industries and Penske Media.
