Gerald R. Molen

Born:January 6, 1935

Place of Birth:Great Falls, Montana, USA

Known For:Production

Biography

Gerald Robert Molen, widely known as Jerry Molen, is an esteemed American film producer born on January 6, 1935. With a career that spans decades, Molen has left an indelible mark on the industry through his collaboration with legendary director Steven Spielberg. Their partnership has resulted in the production of numerous iconic films, with Molen even winning an Academy Award for his work on the powerful and moving film, Schindler's List.

Hailing from Great Falls, Montana, Molen's journey into the world of cinema began in his early years in North Hollywood, California. Growing up with a large family, he was exposed to the magic of Hollywood, thanks to his mother's diner being situated near a major studio. It was here that Molen's fascination with the movie business took root, eventually leading him to start his career by working on studio trucks.

Not only a masterful producer, but Molen has also made memorable appearances in some of the films he has helped bring to life. His cameos in movies like Rain Man, Days of Thunder, and Jurassic Park have delighted audiences and added a personal touch to his work. In the classic film Hook, eagle-eyed viewers can spot the name 'Molen' painted on a black cauldron, showcasing his playful involvement in the movie-making process.

Beyond his contributions to cinema, Molen is known for his strong faith as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This aspect of his life adds depth to his character and influences the values he brings to his work in the entertainment industry. As a respected figure in Hollywood, Molen's legacy continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers and producers to strive for excellence and integrity in their craft.

In his semi-retirement, Molen divides his time between the picturesque landscapes of Montana and the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, Nevada. This balance allows him to enjoy the best of both worlds, finding inspiration in nature and the excitement of the city. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring stories to life on the silver screen have solidified his place as a titan in the realm of film production.

With a career marked by creativity, collaboration, and unwavering passion, Gerald R. Molen stands as a shining example of the impact one individual can have on the world of cinema. His contributions to the industry have not only entertained audiences worldwide but have also sparked important conversations and shed light on significant historical events. As a producer, mentor, and visionary, Molen's influence will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Catch Me If You Can

FBI Agent

2002

A true story about Frank Abagnale Jr. who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. An FBI agent makes it his mission to put him behind bars. But Frank not only eludes capture, he revels in the pursuit.

Jurassic Park

Harding

1993

A wealthy entrepreneur secretly creates a theme park featuring living dinosaurs drawn from prehistoric DNA. Before opening day, he invites a team of experts and his two eager grandchildren to experience the park and help calm anxious investors. However, the park is anything but amusing as the security systems go off-line and the dinosaurs escape.

Rain Man

Dr. Bruner

1988

When car dealer Charlie Babbitt learns that his estranged father has died, he returns home to Cincinnati, where he discovers that he has a savant older brother named Raymond and that his father's $3 million fortune is being left to the mental institution in which Raymond lives. Motivated by his father's money, Charlie checks Raymond out of the facility in order to return with him to Los Angeles. The brothers' cross-country trip ends up changing both their lives.

Days of Thunder

Dr. Wilhaire

1990

Talented but unproven stock car driver Cole Trickle gets a break and with the guidance of veteran Harry Hogge turns heads on the track. The young hotshot develops a rivalry with a fellow racer that threatens his career when the two smash their cars. But with the help of his doctor, Cole just might overcome his injuries-- and his fear.

Amistad

Magistrate

1997

In 1839, the slave ship Amistad set sail from Cuba to America. During the long trip, Cinque leads the slaves in an unprecedented uprising. They are then held prisoner in Connecticut, and their release becomes the subject of heated debate. Freed slave Theodore Joadson wants Cinque and the others exonerated and recruits property lawyer Roger Baldwin to help his case. Eventually, John Quincy Adams also becomes an ally.

Production

Schindler's List

Producer

1993

The true story of how businessman Oskar Schindler saved over a thousand Jewish lives from the Nazis while they worked as slaves in his factory during World War II.

The Meg

Executive Producer

2018

A deep sea submersible pilot revisits his past fears in the Mariana Trench, and accidentally unleashes the seventy foot ancestor of the Great White Shark believed to be extinct.

Meg 2: The Trench

Executive Producer

2023

An exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean of a daring research team spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival.

Jurassic Park

Producer

1993

Minority Report

Producer

2002

John Anderton is a top 'Precrime' cop in the late-21st century, when technology can predict crimes before they're committed. But Anderton becomes the quarry when another investigator targets him for a murder charge.

Twister

Executive Producer

1996

An unprecedented series of violent tornadoes is sweeping across Oklahoma. Tornado chasers, headed by Dr. Jo Harding, attempt to release a groundbreaking device that will allow them to track them and create a more advanced warning system. They are joined by Jo's soon to be ex-husband Bill, a former tornado chaser himself, and his girlfriend Melissa.

Rain Man

Co-Producer

1988

Hook

Unit Production Manager

1991

The boy who wasn't supposed to grow up—Peter Pan—does just that, becoming a soulless corporate lawyer whose workaholism could cost him his wife and kids. During his trip to see Granny Wendy in London, the vengeful Capt. Hook kidnaps Peter's kids and forces Peter to return to Neverland.

Casper

Executive Producer

1995

Casper is a kind young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When specialist James Harvey arrives to communicate with Casper and his fellow spirits, he brings along his teenage daughter, Kat. Casper quickly falls in love with Kat, but their budding relationship is complicated not only by his transparent state, but also by his troublemaking apparition uncles and their mischievous antics.

The Little Rascals

Executive Producer

1994

When nine-year-old Alfalfa falls for Darla, his "He-Man-Woman-Hating" friends attempt to sabotage their relationship.

The Flintstones

Executive Producer

1994

Modern Stone Age family the Flintstones hit the big screen in this live-action version of the classic cartoon. Fred helps Barney adopt a child. Barney sees an opportunity to repay him when Slate Mining tests its employees to find a new executive. But no good deed goes unpunished.

Days of Thunder

Unit Production Manager

1990

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Executive Producer

2024

The Herdman kids are undeniably the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, cheat, bully and overall terrorize their small community. But this Christmas, they're taking over their local church Pageant – and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked little town the true meaning of Christmas.

Tootsie

Unit Production Manager

1982

When struggling, out of work actor Michael Dorsey secretly adopts a female alter ego – Dorothy Michaels – in order to land a part in a daytime drama, he unwittingly becomes a feminist icon and ends up in a romantic pickle.

The Postman Always Rings Twice

Unit Production Manager

1981

The sensuous wife of a lunch wagon proprietor and a rootless drifter begin a sordidly steamy affair and conspire to murder her Greek husband.

*batteries not included

Associate Producer

1987

In a soon to be demolished block of apartments, the residents resist the criminal methods used to force them to leave so a greedy tycoon can build his new skyscraper. When tiny mechanical aliens land for a recharge, they decide to stay and help out.

Little Giants

Executive Producer

1994

When Danny O'Shea's daughter is cut from the Peewee football team just for being a girl, he decides to form his own team, composed of other ragtag players who were also cut. Can his team really learn enough to beat the elite team, coached by his brother, a former pro player?

Beyond the Blackboard

Executive Producer

2011

Inspired by a true story, “Beyond the Blackboard” is about a 24-year-old first-time teacher who makes a difference in the lives of the homeless children she teaches in a shelter’s makeshift classroom. Set in 1987 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this movie tells the story a brand-new teacher and Mom who is given a tougher than expected teaching job and winds up teaching homeless children in a school that is housed in a room and called, literally, The School with No Name. She has some personal prejudicial hurdles to cross before she is able to be a true teacher for these children and of course there are hurdles like the lack of books and supplies.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

Producer

1997

Four years after Jurassic Park's genetically bred dinosaurs ran amok, multimillionaire John Hammond shocks chaos theorist Ian Malcolm by revealing that he has been breeding more beasties at a secret location. Malcolm, his paleontologist ladylove and a wildlife videographer join an expedition to document the lethal lizards' natural behavior in this action-packed thriller.