Jerome Hellman in 1969.Photo: Everett
Jerome Hellman, who produced films like Midnight CowboyandComing Home,is dead at the age of 92.
Hellman’s wife Elizabeth confirmed her husband died at their home in South Egremont, Massachusetts, on Wednesday after a long illness, according toThe Hollywood Reporter. The filmmaker suffered a stroke 12 years ago, Elizabeth added.
The New York native was best known for producing the 1969 buddy dramaMidnight Cowboy, which won Best Picture at the 42ndAcademy Awards. It was the first and only X-rated film to take home the ceremony’s top prize.
“I was so sure we weren’t going to win I didn’t even prepare a speech,” Hellman recalled in an interview with theLos Angeles Timesin 2005. “I probably only said 10 words. It must’ve been the shortest speech in the history ofthe Oscars.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
Jerome Hellman in 2009.Neilson Barnard/Getty
“I didn’t thank [director John Schlesinger] or the actors or my mother or father,” he continued. “All I remember isgoing to the Governors Balland seeing [screenwriter] Ernie Lehman, who ran up to me and said, ‘Tonight, you’re the king.’ It was just one of those special times when the Academy somehow recognizes greatness.”
Aside from its Best Picture honor,Midnight Cowboytook homethe Oscarsfor Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Additionally, it was nominated for Best Actor twice (Dustin Hoffman andJon Voight), Best Supporting Actress (Sylvia Miles) and Best Film Editing.
RELATED VIDEO: PEOPLE in 10: 2021 Oscars Highlights, Surprises and Hottest Trends
The Oscar winner’s credits include Hill’sThe World of Henry Orient(1964), Kershner’sA Fine Madness(1966), Schlesinger’sThe Day of the Locust(1975) and Weir’sThe Mosquito Coast(1986).
source: people.com
