Jacob Bloom, a renowned entertainment talent lawyer, passed away at the age of 81. The veteran lawyer, who represented notable names such as Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, died on Thursday of natural causes at his home in Sun Valley, Idaho, as announced by his family.
Jacob Bloom was part of The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural class of Legal Legends. As the co-founder of the iconic firm Bloom Hergott, he represented the elite Hollywood talent both in front of and behind the camera for over 50 years. His impressive clientele also included Jerry Bruckheimer, John Hughes, and Ron Howard, along with stars like Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and Jackie Chan.
Born in Brooklyn, Bloom attended Columbia College and Cornell Law School. He began his law career in 1968, joining forces with Tom Pollack and Andy Rigrod in the field of entertainment law, which he stumbled upon by chance during a poker game.
As described by Matthew Belloni of The Hollywood Reporter, Jacob Bloom was a lawyer for the movie star era. He negotiated deals that brought immense success to his clients. He played a significant role in transforming Johnny Depp into a wealthy individual through the profit definition he crafted for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. Bloom also helped shape Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone’s careers as global action stars. Additionally, he was instrumental in securing the Star Wars merchandise rights for George Lucas, turning the independent filmmaker into a billionaire.
Bloom was known for his swashbuckling negotiating skills, charismatic persona, and extensive connections in the industry. Despite his appearance, which combined elements of a disheveled rabbi and a classic movie mogul, he had a keen understanding of leveraging stars’ power against studios during the 80s and 90s. He epitomized the old-school approach to entertainment law.
In 2019, Bloom retired amid a dispute with Johnny Depp. Following his departure, his colleagues split up to form two new boutique law firms—Goodman Genow Schenkman Smelkinson & Christopher and Brecheen Feldman Breimer Silver & Thompson.
Apart from his legal career, Bloom was also known for his commitment to philanthropy. He actively supported various causes, including the Hunger Coalition, local Idaho Hunger Relief efforts, and numerous Jewish organizations. He was a founding member of the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles and the Venice Art Walk.
Surviving Jacob Bloom is his wife of 58 years, Ruth, his children Jason and Rebecca, and his grandchildren Naomi, Alex, Caleb, and Theo. He will be laid to rest in Ketchum, Idaho, a place he enjoyed spending time with his family and pursuing his passion for fly fishing.
Jacob Bloom’s passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry and the legal community. His contribution to shaping the careers of Hollywood stars and his philanthropic endeavors will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
