Jay Weston

Jay Weston (born John Martin Weinstein, March 9, 1929 – February 28, 2023) was an American film producer and restaurant critic. He is known for producing Billy Wilder's final comedy, Buddy Buddy, and the Academy Award-nominated Lady Sings the Blues, as well as for his popular restaurant newsletter that focused on the Los Angeles dining scene. He was a regular contributor to the Huffington Post.

Early life Weston grew up in a Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York. His father worked in the garment industry, while his mother was a homemaker and a jazz pianist.

Career

Early years Before working in film, Weston worked as a newspaper columnist and as a public relations executive.

Probably his most well-known and acclaimed film, Lady Sings the Blues, came in 1972. Starring Diana Ross in her acting debut, the film was a biographical film about jazz singer Billie Holiday and went on to be nominated for five Academy Awards.

Weston sued Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 1979 about the rights to a film and, years later, it was revealed that Weston was "totally ostracized" by the agency.

Restaurant critic Weston's love of food led him to found Jay Weston's Restaurant Newsletter, which was available by subscription through the mail beginning in the early 1980s. Weston counted many notable Hollywood names as subscribers. His opinion on restaurants was sought by numerous reputable publications, including The New York Times.

Filmography

Film Year Production 1968 For Love of Ivy 1972 Lady Sings the Blues 1981 Chu Chu and the Philly Flash Television film 1999 Invisible Child Television film