Robert Lemmel, the former president and owner of the California art house chain Lemmel Theaters, has passed away at the age of 89. He died on Thursday at the Berkeley East Healthcare Center in Santa Monica, although the cause of death has not been disclosed. His son, Greg Laemmle, who has led Laemmle Theaters since 2004, mentioned that Robert had been hospitalized following a fall at home on December 23.
Born in Paris on September 5, 1935, Robert immigrated to the United States with his family in 1938. That year, his father, Max Laemmle, along with his uncle, Kurt, opened their first theater in Highland Park. The family’s contributions to the film industry run deep, as Robert’s uncle, Carl Laemmle, co-founded Universal Pictures in 1912.
Robert joined the family business in 1961 and eventually took over the leadership after his father’s retirement. He remained active in the business until 2020, working alongside his son, Greg. Greg emphasized in a 2022 interview the family’s long-standing presence in the film industry, highlighting the rare occurrence of a three-generation family business. The Laemmle family has been instrumental in bringing foreign films to Los Angeles, fostering an appreciation for diverse cinema.
Robert is survived by his wife, Michelle, and their children: Greg, Jessica, Yvonne, Michelle, David, Cari, Mitchell, Maitland, and Robert, as well as 13 grandchildren.