### Renowned Hollywood Producer Lynda Obst Passes Away at 74

Lynda Obst, the celebrated producer behind iconic films such as "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Interstellar," passed away Tuesday at the age of 74. Obst died at her Los Angeles home, surrounded by loved ones, according to her son, Oly Obst, who shared the news with The Hollywood Reporter.

"My mom was a trailblazer and a fierce advocate for women," Oly Obst said in a statement. "She was an amazing mother, sister, and best friend. [My wife] Julie and I are incredibly grateful that she was my mom and that my daughters got to have her as a grandmother. We will miss her."

Obst's legacy in Hollywood is marked by a string of successful and beloved films including "Contact," "Flashdance," "The Fisher King," "Adventures in Babysitting," "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," and "Interstellar." Her work not only entertained millions but also broke ground for women in the industry. Her brother, Rick Rosen, the head of TV at WME, recalled, "Our family is immensely proud of the career that she had and the role model she was for women in the industry, but beyond that, we will always remember her incredible love of our family."

Obst had openly discussed her battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) earlier this year, describing the condition as a consequence of a long-term smoking habit that began at age 16. Despite its progressive and often fatal nature, she used her own experience as a cautionary tale about the dangers of smoking. "It's not the way you want to spend your retirement or your last 10, 20, or 30 years," she warned.

Throughout her illustrious career, Obst was known for her sharp intellect, intuitive taste, and deep connections within the film industry. Bryan Lourd of CAA recalled her as "very savvy and smart about how things worked and how movies got put together." Her dedication extended beyond commercial success, striving to create projects that were both satisfying to filmmakers and moving for audiences.

Obst also ventured into writing, authoring two books about navigating Hollywood: "Hello, He Lied & Other Tales from the Hollywood Trenches" and "Sleepless in Hollywood: Tales From the New Abnormal in the Movie Business." Her journey to Hollywood began after studying philosophy at Pomona College and Columbia University, followed by various editorial roles.

Her professional breakthrough came through connections she formed with notable figures like filmmaker Nora Ephron, leading to an editing job at The New York Times Magazine and subsequently a role in film production. Obst's first major credit came with "Flashdance," and she went on to establish a name synonymous with quality storytelling and production brilliance.

Obst's contributions also included navigating troubled productions like the all-female Western "Bad Girls" and producing celebrated films such as "Sleepless in Seattle," "Contact," and "Interstellar." Her work consistently reflected her passion for big questions about science and redemption, making her a unique voice in Hollywood.

Obst's personal life was equally fulfilling. She shared a close bond with her son, Oly, and cherished spending time with her granddaughters, Sunny and Marlowe. "He’s responsible for a lot of my joy because he’s my only child," she said, adding that seeing him succeed in his career was a triumph for the family.

As the industry mourns her loss, plans are being made for a private funeral service followed by a commemoration event in collaboration with the Producers Guild of America in 2025 to celebrate her life and career.