The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Albert S Ruddy, an esteemed Canadian-born producer and writer, who passed away at the age of 94. Ruddy, known for his involvement in iconic films such as The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby, left a lasting impact on Hollywood.

Ruddy, a tall and muscular figure with a city kid's swagger, produced over 30 movies throughout his career. From critically acclaimed successes like The Longest Yard to financial disappointments including Cannonball Run II and Megaforce, Ruddy's filmography was a mix of highs and lows.

Perhaps one of Ruddy's most memorable contributions was his role in producing The Godfather, a film that courted controversy and put the producer's job and reputation at risk. The portrayal of Italian Americans in the mafia storyline drew ire from influential figures, with real-life mobsters even threatening Ruddy. However, he managed to navigate the delicate situation through diplomacy, meeting with crime boss Joseph Colombo to discuss the script. Ruddy made concessions such as removing a mention of the word "mafia" and making a donation to the Italian American Civil Rights League. This act of compromise earned him the approval of Colombo and the underworld, leading to the successful release of the film.

Ruddy's work extended beyond the silver screen into the realm of television as well. Collaborating with the legendary Burt Reynolds, Ruddy brought his creativity to the popular sitcom Hogan's Heroes. He expanded his television credits with movies such as Married to a Stranger and Running Mates, solidifying his mark in both mediums.

Born in Montreal in 1930, Ruddy moved to the US as a child and was raised in New York City. After a career in architecture, he found his true calling in the entertainment industry when he joined forces with TV actor Bernard Fein to develop a TV series. Their initial idea for a comedy set in an American prison took a turn when they stumbled upon news of a sitcom set in a German POW camp, leading them to create Hogan's Heroes.

Ruddy's pivotal moment came when Paramount Pictures acquired the rights to Mario Puzo's bestselling novel The Godfather. Despite confessing that he had never read the book, Ruddy jumped at the opportunity to produce the film that would go on to become a critical and commercial sensation. With an all-star cast including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert Duvall, The Godfather cemented Ruddy's legacy in the industry.

Beyond his illustrious career, Ruddy was known for his personal life as well. He was married to Wanda McDaniel, a sales executive and liaison for Giorgio Armani, with whom he had two children. McDaniel's influence played a role in establishing the Armani brand in Hollywood.

The passing of Albert S Ruddy leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of entertainment. His achievements as a producer and writer will be remembered as he becomes part of the industry's rich history, forever cherished for his contributions to cinema and television.