Jay Weston

Jay Weston was an American film producer and restaurant critic, born John Martin Weinstein on March 9, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York. He passed away on February 28, 2023, at the age of 93. Weston is best known for producing notable films such as Lady Sings the Blues (1972), which starred Diana Ross and received five Academy Award nominations, and Buddy Buddy (1981), Billy Wilder's final film. He also produced For Love of Ivy (1968), which was significant for featuring two black leads in a major studio production.123

Weston had a diverse career that began in public relations and included a stint as a Broadway press agent. He founded one of the largest PR firms in the country and played a key role in Cinerama Inc., which developed the widescreen film process. His passion for film led him to establish his own production company and to become head of ABC's feature film division, Palomar Pictures.12

In addition to his work in film, Weston was a prominent restaurant critic, founding Jay Weston's Restaurant Newsletter, which gained a following among notable Hollywood figures. His insights were sought by major publications, including The New York Times.1

Weston graduated from New York University in 1949 and served as an editor for a military newspaper during the Korean War.1 He was married to Annabelle Weston and had a brother, Stanley Weston, who created the G.I. Joe action figure.1