Jeff Pollack was a successful film director, screenwriter, television producer, and writer who co-created the hit sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with Benny Medina. He also directed the movies Above the Rim, Booty Call, and Lost & Found. He was known for his comedic and urban style, as well as his collaborations with celebrities like Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, and Tyra Banks. But how did he die, and what was the cause of his death?
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The Discovery of His Body
On December 23, 2013, Pollack was found dead on the Greenbelt in Hermosa Beach, California, by a female jogger. He was 54 years old. He was wearing jogging clothes and had an iPod nano playing the Eagles music. According to Easy Reader News, Hermosa Beach Police Department Captain Tommy Thompson said that police did not suspect foul play, and it was believed Pollack died of natural causes while exercising.
The Autopsy Results
The Los Angeles County Department of Coroner conducted an autopsy on Pollack’s body to determine the exact cause of his death. The results were released on January 17, 2014. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the coroner ruled that Pollack died of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, which is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart. The coroner also noted that Pollack had a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, which are risk factors for heart disease.
The Reactions from His Family and Friends
Pollack’s death shocked and saddened his family, friends, and colleagues in the entertainment industry. He was survived by his two children, a son and a daughter, and his ex-wife Solange White Pollack, whom he divorced in 2005. He also had a brother, Gary Pollack, who is a music supervisor and composer. Pollack’s longtime friend and business partner Benny Medina issued a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, saying: “Jeff was always full of life, hope and optimism. He was a talented writer and director who spoke truth to power in his films and in his personal life. He will be missed.”
Other celebrities who worked with Pollack also expressed their condolences and tributes on social media. Will Smith posted a photo of himself with Pollack and Medina on Facebook, writing: “R.I.P. Jeff Pollack. I’m sad and I’m angry. Jeff was a good dude. He was my friend. He was a creative partner. He was a good man. I just talked to him and he sounded happy. Damn.” Jamie Foxx tweeted: “God Bless Jeff Pollack… His passing is a reminder of how precious life is… Rest in peace my friend… You will be missed.” Tyra Banks wrote on Instagram: “Sending love and light to the family of Jeff Pollack. He was a producer of my talk show and always had a smile on his face. He was a good man. So sad.
The Legacy of His Work
Pollack left behind a legacy of work that entertained and inspired millions of people. He was a pioneer of urban comedy and culture, as well as a mentor and friend to many stars. His most notable achievement was co-creating The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which launched the career of Will Smith and became a pop culture phenomenon. The show ran for six seasons from 1990 to 1996, and is still widely watched and loved today. Pollack also wrote, produced, and directed the film Above the Rim, which starred Tupac Shakur and was one of the first movies to depict the culture of street basketball. His other films, Booty Call and Lost & Found, were also popular comedies that featured stars like Jamie Foxx, David Spade, and Martin Sheen. Pollack also had a successful career as a manager and producer, working with some of the biggest names in music, film, and television. He was involved in projects like the Billboard Music Awards, Jennifer Lopez in Concert, and E!’s Pam: Girl on the Loose. He also wrote a spec screenplay called Gifted, which was one of the top scripts of 2013 according to Spec Scout.
Jeff Pollack was a talented and versatile filmmaker who made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. He died of natural causes, but his work and spirit live on. He will be remembered as a creative and passionate artist who brought joy and laughter to many.
