Steve Mensch Dies In Plane Crash: President Of Tyler Perry Studios Was 62

Nellie Andreeva

7 December 2024 at 11:43 am·2-min read

Steve Mensch, President and Manager of General Operations for Tyler Perry Studios, was killed in a plane crash Friday night. He was 62. According to TMZ, Mensch was the pilot of a single-seat plane that crashed on a road in Homosassa, FL shortly before 7 PM.

The Citrus Country Sheriff’s Office reported a “small-engine aircraft accident” near the intersection of Highway 19 and Longfellow St. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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Mensch joined Tyler Perry Studios in 2016, shortly after the company had bought the former Fort McPherson Army Base in Atlanta. He oversaw TPS’ transition from Greenbrier to Fort McPherson, which was converted into a 330-acre film and TV production lot, one of the largest in the country. The lot has housed Perry-created fare as well as outside productions and was the first to become operational during the pandemic when Perry restarted filming with Covid protocols.

“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Steve Mensch,” a rep for Tyler Perry Studios said in a statement. “Steve was a cherished member of our team for more than 8 years, and well beloved in the community of Atlanta. It is hard to imagine not seeing him smiling throughout the halls. We will miss him dearly. Our heart goes out to his family as we all send them our prayers.”

MPA chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin also paid tribute to Mensch in a statement. “The sudden passing of Steve Mensch is a gut-wrenching tragedy – for his team at Tyler Perry Studios, for his colleagues across the Georgia film and business communities, for his friends, and especially for his family,” he said.

“When I met with Steve recently at the studio, I was moved by his infectious passion for filmmaking, his tireless dedication to building an even more dynamic industry, and his unmatched belief in Georgia as a top destination for great storytelling. His career was a testament to visionary leadership, kindness, and innovative thinking, and I am grateful for his countless contributions to the creative economy. He was, quite simply, a consummate professional and a good man,” added Rivkin. “On behalf of the Motion Picture Association, I send my heartfelt condolences to Steve’s wife Danila, his three children, and the world-class team he led at Tyler Perry Studios.”

Prior to TPS, Mensch — whose background is in studio operations, strategic partnerships and sales — held leadership positions at Third Rail Studios, Qingdao Oriental Movie Industrial Park and Turner Broadcasting and also worked at Feature Systems Inc, AT&T, and Embassy Suites.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

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