Hubbry Logo
Dick CookDick CookMain
Open search
Dick Cook
Community hub
Dick Cook
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Dick Cook
Dick Cook
Dick Cook
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Richard W. Cook is an American film entertainment executive, and has served on the Board of Directors of Legendary Pictures since 2011. Prior to joining Legendary Pictures, he was the Chairman of the Walt Disney Studios from 2002 to 2009. At the time of his separation from the company, he was the only remaining top Disney executive who had worked for the company since before Michael Eisner took charge in 1984. Cook holds a degree in political science from the University of Southern California (USC).

Career

[edit]

Cook began his career with Disney in 1970 as a monorail and steam locomotive amusement park ride operator at Disneyland[1] and moved to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank in 1977 to manage pay television and non-theatrical releases. In 1980, he moved to the company's film distribution department, eventually heading both its distribution and marketing efforts. He earned a reputation there by his marketing of Disney's home video collection and hosting media-worthy movie premieres, for example securing a United States Navy aircraft carrier based in Pearl Harbor to host the debut of the film Pearl Harbor. In 1994, Cook was promoted to president of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.[2]

Cook was appointed in 1996 chairman of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, tasked with domestic and international theatrical marketing and distribution, feature film acquisition, and worldwide home video. In February 2002, Eisner named him as Peter Schneider's replacement as chairman of studios,[3] popularly called the studio chief. Cook, described by BusinessWeek in 2003 as "the nicest guy in Disney's jungle", is known for his down-to-earth personality and his good relations with Disney's partners, including Jerry Bruckheimer.[4] In 2005, Cook negotiated the exit of Harvey and Bob Weinstein from Disney's Miramax unit.[1]

In 2005, Cook was awarded the Walt Disney Man of the Year Award, in recognition of "inspiring and positive role models for young people" from within the entertainment community, by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles & the Inland Empire.[5][6] On July 17, 2006, Cook fired Disney executive Nina Jacobson over the telephone, immediately after the birth of her third child, while she was still in the delivery room.[7]

On September 18, 2009, Cook stepped down as chairman of Walt Disney Studios, allegedly having been asked to do so by Bob Iger, president/CEO of the Walt Disney Company.[8] He was then replaced by Disney Channel president Rich Ross.

In April 2011, Cook joined the Board of Directors of Legendary Pictures,[9] and served as one of the executive producers of Legendary Pictures' Jackie Robinson biographical film 42. In August 2013, Cook was made Chairman of KCETLink's Board of Directors.[10]

On April 19, 2015, Cook announced the formation of Dick Cook Studios, with an expected investment of $150 million by Citic Guoan Group Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned company and the largest subsidiary of conglomerate Citic Group.[11] As of March 2016, the deal had closed, but no funding had yet been received under the arrangement. On the weekend of March 19, 2016, Cook Studios signed a production financing deal with Film Carnival, a Zhejiang, China-based company, for $500 million, covering 100% of movie costs. The announcement was made on March 29, after the Cook Studio and Film Carnival hosted the inaugural China–U.S. Motion Picture Summit on March 25 in Grand Epoch City, China. The first film using the financing is expected to be "Ranger's Apprentice" from director Paul Haggis,[12] and the second, The Alchemyst. Both are to be filmed at Docklands Studios Melbourne, where its Asia-Pacific base would be set up under Melbourne-native managing director Kate McLean. The Australian and Victoria region governments granted incentives up to $20.5 million (AUS$30 million).[13]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dick Cook

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Richard W. "Dick" Cook is an American film entertainment executive known for his 38-year tenure at , where he rose from a Disneyland ride operator to chairman of Walt Disney Studios from 2002 to 2009, overseeing major franchises like and contributing to billions in global box office revenue. Born August 20, 1950, in Kern County, (raised in Bakersfield), Cook graduated from the with a degree in . He began his Disney career in 1970 at age 19 as a ride operator on the steam locomotives and in , where he quickly demonstrated leadership by managing a fire incident during his first week. In 1977, he transitioned to Walt Disney Studios in Burbank as manager of pay-TV and nontheatrical releases under Disney president , building expertise in distribution and . Cook's ascent continued as he became president of Buena Vista Pictures distribution and marketing in 1994, where he pioneered elaborate global premieres, such as the 1995 Central Park event for Pocahontas attended by 110,000 people and the 2001 Hawaii aircraft carrier premiere for Pearl Harbor. By 1996, he was named chairman of Disney's motion picture group, and in February 2002, he assumed the role of chairman of Walt Disney Studios, succeeding Peter Schneider and reporting to Michael Eisner and Robert Iger. Under his leadership, the studio achieved nine consecutive years of $1 billion in international box office, released 34 films grossing over $100 million domestically since 1990, and delivered hits like the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia, National Treasure, The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo, amassing over $3 billion in worldwide grosses in 2003 alone. He also restored the El Capitan Theatre as a premier movie palace and received the Publicists' Motion Picture Showmanship Award in 2004. In September 2009, Cook resigned from effective immediately after nearly four decades with the company, citing a desire to pursue new opportunities. Post-Disney, he joined the of Legendary Pictures in 2011, serving alongside figures like and , and continues to serve on the board of . He executive produced the 2013 42 and, in 2015, launched Dick Cook Studios with a $150 million from China's Citic Guoan Group, focusing on family-oriented live-action and animated content, including a $500 million production deal with Film Carnival in 2016. In 2021, the studio acquired rights to Charles Wachter's novel The Twin Paradox for film and television adaptation. Cook has also served as treasurer for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (2013–2015) and, as of 2025, serves as a governor for its Executives Branch.

Early life and education

Early life

Richard Webster Cook was born on August 20, 1950, in Bakersfield, California, to Barbara and Glen Cook; his father passed away in 1963, after which his mother married stepfather Wilburn "Babe" Billington. He was raised in north Bakersfield, a modest community in the Central Valley, where his family emphasized humility and congeniality—traits his mother later described as enduring in him: "He's a very humble man... still Dick—not just to us, but to everybody." Cook graduated from Bakersfield North High School in 1968, marking the end of his pre-college years in his hometown. Growing up in this rural setting provided a grounded upbringing, though specific childhood influences on his future career remain undocumented.

Education

Dick Cook attended the (USC), where he earned a degree in in 1972. His undergraduate studies overlapped with the early stages of his career at , as he began working part-time at in 1970 at age 19 while pursuing his degree.

Career at

Early positions

Dick Cook began his career at in 1970 as a and ride operator at in , where he worked weekends, holidays, and summers while attending college. In 1971, he advanced to the role of Disneyland sales representative and was soon promoted to manager of sales for the theme park division, gaining early experience in operational and guest services within Disney's theme park operations. By 1977, Cook transitioned to The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, taking on the position of manager of pay television and non-theatrical releases, where he contributed to the early development of the by overseeing licensing and distribution strategies for alternative viewing platforms. In 1980, he entered the motion picture division as assistant domestic sales manager for Buena Vista Distribution Company, handling theatrical releases and building expertise in film and market placement. He progressed through sales leadership roles, becoming vice president and general sales manager, and by 1988, senior vice president of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, where he directed domestic theatrical distribution efforts for Disney's film slate. Throughout the early , Cook's responsibilities expanded to include marketing oversight following his 1994 promotion, during which he managed key aspects of promotion under Buena Vista Home Entertainment, leveraging innovative campaigns to drive consumer adoption of titles in the emerging VHS market. This foundational work in distribution and marketing culminated in high-profile events, such as the 2001 world premiere of aboard the aircraft carrier in , , which exemplified his approach to experiential promotions that blended historical significance with blockbuster spectacle. His analytical skills, honed through his education, proved instrumental in optimizing these distribution strategies.

Rise to executive leadership

In 1994, Dick Cook was promoted to president of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, where he assumed additional responsibilities for film marketing alongside his existing distribution duties. This role positioned him as a key figure in overseeing the domestic and international release of Disney's motion pictures, building on his prior experience in sales and operations. By 1996, Cook advanced further when he was appointed chairman of the Motion Pictures Group, reporting directly to studio head and supervising production presidents at and . In this capacity, he expanded his oversight to include domestic and international theatrical distribution and marketing, acquisition, worldwide , music, consumer products, theatrical exhibition, television, pay-TV, and emerging technologies, contributing to a studio reorganization that aimed to streamline film output to 20-25 titles annually and achieve significant cost savings. Cook's growing influence was evident in major strategic negotiations, such as his direct discussions with Harvey Weinstein in late 2004 and early 2005, which facilitated the amicable separation of Harvey and Bob Weinstein from Miramax Films after a 12-year partnership marked by creative and financial tensions. However, his leadership drew controversy in 2006 when he fired Nina Jacobson, president of production for Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, via telephone while she was at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center shortly after her partner gave birth to their third child; the decision occurred amid a broader studio restructuring that eliminated 650 jobs to cut overhead costs by $90 million to $100 million annually, despite recent successes like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

Chairmanship (2002–2009)

In February 2002, appointed Dick Cook as chairman of Studios, succeeding Peter Schneider in the role. As chairman, Cook oversaw all aspects of development, production, distribution, and marketing for the studio's live-action and animated films, including worldwide distribution, home entertainment operations, music, theatrical releases, television, and emerging technologies. His prior experience in the motion pictures group facilitated a seamless transition into this executive position. During Cook's tenure, Walt Disney Studios achieved significant milestones, including a record-breaking $3 billion in global receipts in 2003, the first time any studio reached that threshold in a single year. This success was driven by major releases such as the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise expansions, including The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), (2006), and At World's End (2007), which collectively boosted the studio's international presence and domestic earnings exceeding $1 billion annually for over a decade. Key live-action projects under his supervision included the series, with the 2004 original and 2007 sequel Book of Secrets emphasizing historical adventure themes that resonated globally. Animated successes like Pixar's (2003) and (2004) further solidified the studio's leadership, contributing to 63 films surpassing $100 million in domestic during his leadership. These efforts expanded Disney's worldwide , with international grosses reaching $1.6 billion in 2003 alone. Cook resigned effective immediately on September 18, 2009, after 38 years at , citing a desire to pursue new opportunities following contemplation of the decision. The abrupt departure occurred amid reported tensions with CEO over creative direction and recent underperforming releases, such as G-Force and Surrogates, which contributed to the studio's financial pressures. Iger praised Cook's contributions in a statement, while the move surprised industry insiders and talents like , who expressed concern for the studio's future. was later named as his successor in January 2010.

Post-Disney career

Board of directors roles

Following his departure from in 2009, Dick Cook joined the of Legendary Pictures in April 2011, bringing his extensive experience in film production and distribution to the independent studio. During his tenure, Cook provided strategic guidance on key projects, including serving as an on the 2013 biographical film 42, which chronicled the life of and contributed to Legendary's portfolio of high-profile releases co-financed through its longstanding partnership with . His involvement helped support the company's transition and expansion in the competitive film financing landscape during a period when Legendary produced major franchises like trilogy and . In 2013, Cook was appointed chairman of the board of directors for KCETLink, the parent organization of the public media entity KCET, after serving as vice chairman. In this leadership role, he oversaw strategic initiatives to strengthen public broadcasting, including the 2018 merger with PBS SoCal to form the Public Media Group of Southern California (PMGSC), which expanded programming reach and resources for educational and cultural content across Southern California. Cook continued as chairman until October 2020, when he stepped down but remained on the PMGSC board, contributing to governance focused on sustainable media innovation and community engagement. Cook's board expertise, informed by his Disney leadership in overseeing global film operations, has extended to advisory influence in the industry post-2009, though specific additional formal roles remain limited to these affiliations. His ongoing impact is evident in recent public engagements, such as a May 8, 2025, interview with the (MPTF) where he discussed career insights on studio , and a September 3, 2025, appearance on the "Don't Kill the Messenger" podcast, reflecting his continued role in shaping Hollywood's executive discourse.

Dick Cook Studios

Dick Cook Studios was launched on April 19, 2015, as an focused on family-oriented , backed by a $150 million from China's Citic Guoan Group. The studio aimed to develop and produce content for global audiences, leveraging Cook's extensive experience in Hollywood to bridge American and international markets. In March 2016, the studio secured a $500 million multi-year production deal with Chinese company , enabling co-productions of up to 10 films targeted at both domestic Chinese and worldwide distribution. This partnership emphasized and fantasy genres, with an initial project announced as the adaptation of John Flanagan's book series into a live-action film. Cook served as executive producer on several notable projects associated with the studio, including upcoming adaptations such as The Alchemyst: Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel (in development as of ). The studio prioritized adventure films, fostering international partnerships to expand production capabilities. In , it announced plans for two fantasy adventure films in collaboration with Melbourne-based AMPCO Studios, including The Alchemyst, to be filmed at a new soundstage in . In 2021, the studio acquired rights to Charles Wachter's novel The Twin Paradox for film and television adaptation.

Personal life and honors

Family

Dick Cook has been married to Bonnie S. Drury since July 6, 1974. The couple has two children.

Awards and recognition

In 2004, Cook received the Motion Picture Showmanship Award from the International Cinematographers Guild's Publicists Branch, recognizing his promotional expertise and leadership in film marketing during his tenure at Walt Disney Studios. In 2007, Cook was awarded the Dorothy and Sherrill C. Corwin Human Relations Award by the , acknowledging his contributions to human relations and community engagement in the entertainment industry. Cook delivered the keynote address at the 2010 Biola Media Conference, where he was recognized for his extensive career shaping content and ethical in Hollywood. In 2011, he was named Pioneer of the Year by the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation at CinemaCon, lauding his industry goodwill, innovative leadership, and lasting impact on motion picture exhibition and production. In 2013, Cook was elected Chairman of the KCETLink , highlighting his dedication to public media and educational programming that fosters community and cultural enrichment. Cook served as Treasurer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 2013 to 2015, having been elected in July 2013 and re-elected in August 2014. In 2025, Cook's legacy was celebrated through public tributes, including an in-depth interview on May 6 at the (MPTF) hosted by , which underscored his enduring influence on Hollywood from ride operator to executive powerhouse.

References

  1. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-15-fi-cook15-story.html
  2. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dick-cook-leaves-disney-89068/
  3. https://variety.com/2004/film/awards/dick-cook-disney-chairman-1117900612/
  4. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed2524513284/
  5. https://deadline.com/2011/04/exclusive-dick-cook-jim-breyer-join-joe-roth-on-thomas-tulls-legendary-board-120712/
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1667886/fullcredits
  7. https://variety.com/2015/film/asia/dick-cook-studios-launches-with-150-million-chinese-investment-1201475545/
  8. https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/dick-cook-studios-charles-wachter-the-twin-paradox-1234961439/
  9. https://www.cartoonbrew.com/business/ex-disney-studio-chief-dick-cook-launches-china-funded-studio-112046.html
  10. https://www.facebook.com/groups/filmphreeksfilmandtvdiscussion/posts/3181871985284992/
  11. https://www.bakersfield.com/archives/shrider-what-do-disney-bakersfield-have-in-common/article_aaa03126-f16a-5e57-a59b-0090235c5f8d.html
  12. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1693424/bio/
  13. https://gero.usc.edu/vitality-magazine-winter-2024-25/deans-message/
  14. https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/richard-w-cook-promoted-to-chairman-of-the-walt-disney-studios/
  15. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-03-mn-30863-story.html
  16. https://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2001/May/13/ln/ln03a.html
  17. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-10-07-fi-47627-story.html
  18. https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/19/business/disney-names-new-chairman-of-movie-group.html
  19. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2005/02/28/disney-miramax-finalizing-split/
  20. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-jul-19-fi-disney19-story.html
  21. https://pirates.fandom.com/wiki/Dick_Cook
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW9zQ9uhxb4
  23. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-sep-19-fi-ct-disney19-story.html
  24. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-dec-04-fi-boxoffice4-story.html
  25. https://deadline.com/2009/09/exclusive-dick-cook-fired-from-disney-16183/
  26. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/natl-disney-studio-chief-steps-down/2136928/
  27. https://www.firstshowing.net/2009/dick-cooks-exit-from-disney-leaves-johnny-depp-worried/
  28. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/disneys-studio-chief-dick-cook-resigns-idUSTRE58I063/
  29. https://www.thewrap.com/legendary-pictures-making-jackie-robinson-biopic-27847/
  30. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/dick-cook-elected-kcetlink-chairman-599702/
  31. https://deadline.com/2018/04/kcetlink-rejoins-pbs-agrees-to-merge-with-socal-flagship-outlet-koce-1202376175/
  32. https://kcet.brightspotcdn.com/89/12/3dfbb3eb48fb9d8d541078ee2f97/cpb-2020-2.19.21.pdf
  33. https://mptf.com/dickcook/
  34. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/chinas-citic-guoan-invests-150m-790122/
  35. https://deadline.com/2015/04/dick-cook-china-citic-guoan-disney-huayi-lionsgate-hunan-1201412769/
  36. https://www.thewrap.com/dick-cook-studios-launches-in-china-with-150-million-investment-by-citic-guoan/
  37. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-cook-china-carnival-20160329-story.html
  38. https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/dick-cook-china-film-carnival-investment-1201741034/
  39. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/30/business/media/rangers-apprentice-to-be-adapted-as-film-financed-by-chinese-firm.html
  40. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1693424/
  41. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/dick-cook-make-two-adventure-films-melbourne-1248975/
  42. https://deadline.com/2019/10/former-walt-disney-studios-chair-dick-cook-backing-two-fantasy-films-new-soundstage-in-australia-1202764233/
  43. https://www.ampcofilms.com/about
  44. https://variety.com/2004/film/awards/praisers-cook-up-kudos-1117897770/
  45. https://www.latimes.com/socal/burbank-leader/news/tn-blr-xpm-2007-10-10-blr-bizbriefs10-story.html
  46. https://www.biola.edu/blogs/biola-news/2010/press-release-former-disney-chairman-dick-cook-to-keynote-biola
  47. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/nice-guys-finish-first-172410/
  48. https://variety.com/2013/tv/news/dick-cook-kcet-kcetlink-1200574016/
  49. https://deadline.com/2013/07/movie-academy-elects-xx-president-552944/
  50. https://www.oscars.org/news/cheryl-boone-isaacs-re-elected-academy-president
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.