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Francis Ford Coppola pays tribute to the late Robert Evans, producer of 'Rosemary's Baby'

Robert Evans headshot, movie producer, graphic element on gray
Robert Evans (Credit: AP)

With the death of iconic movie producer Robert Evans at the age of 89, so tributes are being paid to the man who helped bring movies like Chinatown, Rosemary's Baby and Marathon Man to the screen.

Francis Ford Coppola, who worked on The Godfather with Evans, recalled the producer's 'charm, good looks, enthusiasm, style, and sense of humor', in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.

“He had strong instincts as evidenced by the long list of great films in his career. May the kid always stay in the picture,” he added, referencing the name of Evans' celebrated memoir of his career in Hollywood, The Kid Stays In The Picture.

FILE - In this May 22, 2016 file photo, director Francis Ford Coppola poses for photographers as he arrives for the premiere of Verdi's "La Traviata'' at the Rome Opera House, in Rome. Coppola and the cast of "The Godfather" reunited for one evening and a double feature at Radio City Music Hall to celebrate the film's 45th anniversary. The Tribeca Film Festival closed out its 16th edition Saturday, April 29, 2017, with a grand double feature of "The Godfather," parts one and two. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
Francis Ford Coppola (Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

In the memoir itself, Evans recalls the bumps in their relationship, notably after making the flop The Cotton Club together in 1984, which lost millions at the box office.

“Francis and I have a perfect record; we disagreed on everything,” he wrote.

The Paramount Studio, which Evans headed during its heydey making movies like The Odd Couple, The Italian Job, The Conversation, Harold and Maude, Love Story and Serpico, also released a statement in tribute to the producer's dazzling career.

***FILE PHOTO*** Robert Evans Has Passed Away. Robert Evans And Jacqueline Bisset. Credit: 2369305Globe Photos/MediaPunch /IPX
Robert Evans And Jacqueline Bisset (Credit: Globe Photos/MediaPunch/IPX)

“Hollywood has lost one of its most influential and iconic figures in the inimitable Bob Evans,” the studio said.

“He was a valued and beloved partner to Paramount Pictures for over half a century, and his contributions to our organization and the entertainment industry are innumerable and far-reaching. As an actor, a producer and a leader, he has left an indelible mark on our studio and the world of film. His influence will be felt for generations to come.”

Added William Friedkin, director of The French Connection and The Exorcist: “He was one of the most knowledgeable guys about film and the history of film that I knew. I loved the guy. He was extraordinary.”

Many others chimed in on Twitter.