Roger Howard, a renowned lawyer instrumental in the Directors Coalition’s Westwood Village Theater acquisition, has died at 81 after a battle with cancer.
On September 2, 2026, Deadline reported the passing of Roger Howard, a senior partner at Glaser Weil, who died on August 29 after battling cancer. He was 81 years old. Over his 35-year career at the prestigious law firm, Howard became a notable figure in Hollywood, providing legal expertise to various filmmakers, studios, and even Los Angeles County.
Renowned for his work in corporate law, real estate, and mergers and acquisitions, Howard's client roster included a variety of influential players in the film industry. His last notable legal accomplishment involved guiding a coalition of directors in the acquisition of the iconic Westwood Village Theater in Los Angeles, a significant cultural landmark that has been a beloved site for moviegoers.
The theater deal, led by celebrated director Jason Reitman, is particularly significant. This historic venue, nearly 100 years old, is set to undergo a multimillion-dollar renovation later this year, revitalizing its presence as a cinematic cornerstone for the UCLA community. The coalition, known as the Village Directors Circle, boasts a lineup of industry heavyweights, including Steven Spielberg, Guillermo del Toro, and Christopher Nolan, showcasing Howard’s influential network within the cinematic landscape.
Following Howard's passing, Glaser Weil founders Patricia Glaser and Peter Weil expressed heartfelt condolences and tributes. In a statement, Glaser reflected on Howard's warmth, kindness, and exceptional legal capabilities. She emphasized that Howard made the practice of law enjoyable and memorable, underlining his significant role in their firm and the industry at large. Managing Partner Weil also praised Howard’s unwavering dedication to his clients and colleagues, noting his exceptional character and the lasting impact he had on those around him.
Howard’s influence extended beyond his legal practices; he was deeply involved with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and received the Humanitarian Award from its Tower Cancer Research Foundation. His commitment to various charitable causes reflects a legacy that encompasses professional excellence and community service.
Howard is survived by his wife, Linda, his children, Missy and Andy, and several grandchildren. A memorial service was conducted on September 1, reflecting the love and admiration held for him by family, friends, and colleagues. As the community mourns the loss of a significant figure in Hollywood law, discussions are already underway about the future of the Westwood Village Theater and its renewed mission to serve the public through cinema.
Roger Howard's passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood law, where he shaped numerous iconic deals and nourished relationships that defined the industry. His role in the Westwood Village Theater acquisition underscores the potential revitalization of cultural hubs in Los Angeles, especially as prominent filmmakers join forces to bring new life to such venues. This deal signifies a change in management and indicates a collective effort among directors to foster creative spaces that could benefit future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
For further insight into the Westwood Village Theater, you can visit articles about its renovation plans and the prominent figures involved in its future.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: Deadline. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
