Robert Dingilian; MGM Movie Marketing Executive

Robert Dingilian, a major marketer of hit Hollywood films for various studios over four decades, has died at the age of 60.

Dingilian, executive vice president of worldwide marketing for MGM since 1991, died suddenly Monday of heart disease at his home in Studio City.

He began his career at the Assn. of Motion Picture and Television Producers as head of public affairs, and from 1968 to 1975 operated a public relations firm, Gershenson & Dingilian Associates, with David Gershenson.

Dingilian moved into worldwide film promotion for 20th Century Fox Film Corp. in 1976, handling campaigns for such hits as “Star Wars,” “The Turning Point,” “Julia” and “All That Jazz.”

After working for Alan Ladd Jr. at Fox, Dingilian joined Ladd at the Ladd Co. in 1980, marketing such films as “Chariots of Fire,” “The Right Stuff,” “Blade Runner” and “Body Heat.”

From 1984 to 1988, Dingilian served as executive vice president of worldwide marketing for Columbia Pictures, selling, among other films, “Jagged Edge,” “La Bamba,” “White Nights” and “The Last Emperor.”

As president of International Creative Associates, an independent marketing firm, Dingilian handled the critically acclaimed films “My Left Foot,” “The Grifters” and “Mr. and Mrs. Bridge.”

He moved to MGM two years ago as executive vice president of worldwide marketing, rejoining Ladd, who is now MGM co-chairman.

Dingilian served as a governor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1989 to 1992.

He is survived by his wife, the former Martha (Muffett) Kaufman, and four children, Susan, Tim, Erin and Christopher.

The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to a foundation to be established in Dingilian’s name.