Albert Ruddy, the legendary Canadian-American producer and co-creator of Hogan’s Heroes, passed away at the age of 94. Renowned for his significant contributions to both television and film, Ruddy was a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Picture, having produced the iconic The Godfather in 1972 and Million Dollar Baby in 2004. Ruddy’s final moments were spent at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he succumbed to an illness. His spokesperson shared that his poignant last words were, “The game is over, but we won the game.”
Ruddy’s illustrious career also included producing credits for The Longest Yard, The Cannonball Run, and Cannonball Run II. His first Oscar win came on March 27, 1973, for The Godfather. He accepted the award alongside Al Pacino, who portrayed Michael Corleone in the film. Clint Eastwood presented the Best Picture Oscar to the pair. After receiving the award, Pacino remarked,
“The American dream and what we all want, for me at least, is represented by this [holding up the Oscar]. It’s there for everybody if we want to work, dream, and try to get it.”
Following Ruddy’s passing, tributes poured in from the entertainment industry. Al Pacino expressed his heartfelt admiration for Ruddy, stating,
“Al Ruddy was absolutely beautiful to me the whole time on ‘The Godfather’; even when they didn’t want me, he wanted me. He gave me the gift of encouragement when I needed it most and I’ll never forget it.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger also paid tribute to Ruddy via Instagram, sharing a few pictures and offering his condolences.
