Richard Perry. Photo:
Alex Berliner/ABImages/AP
Richard Perry has died at the age of 82.
The legendary music producer died on Dec. 24 at a Los Angeles hospital from cardiac arrest, his longtime friend Daphna Kastner told the Associated Press. She referred to him as a “father friend,” and remembered his legacy in a statement to the outlet.
“He maximized his time here,” she said. “He was generous, fun, sweet and made the world a better place. The world is a little less sweeter without him here. But it’s a little bit sweeter in heaven.”
According to TMZ, Perry’s assistant of 30 years Ben McCarthy said the late producer had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and when he last saw him a month ago, Perry was in good spirits but unable to speak.
PEOPLE has reached out to Kastner for comment.
Richard Perry. Steve Granitz/WireImage
Perry was well-known for his work dating back to the 1970s, when he produced for big names like Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross and Art Garfunkel. He is also recognized for producing Carly Simon’s iconic hit, “You’re So Vain” and Rod Stewart’s “The Great American Songbook” series.
He was also part of Harry Nilsson’s “Without You,” Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias’ “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before” and The Pointer Sisters’ “I’m So Excited.” In 1970, Perry was responsible for a track on Ringo Starr’s “Sentimental Journey” album — his first solo record apart from the Beatles.
He was later part of making John Lennon’s “I Am the Greatest,” which marked the only time three of The Beatles reunited for a song after dismantling the band. With George Harrison on bass and Starr playing drums and singing, Lennon worked the keyboard for the memorable moment.
“As I looked around the room, I realized that I was at the very epicenter of the spiritual and musical quest I had dreamed of for so many years,” Perry wrote in his 2021 memoir, Cloud Nine. “By the end of each session, a small group of friends had gathered, standing silently along the back wall, just thrilled to be there.”
In 2015, he received a Grammy Trustee Award for his impact on the music industry.
Richard Perry. Lennox McLendon/AP
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Perry was also in a long-term relationship with actress Jane Fonda, although the two parted ways in 2017 after eight years together. When confirming the news that year, he said they were still good friends.
“It is true that Jane and I have decided to live apart,” Perry said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time. “However, while separations run rampant in this town, often filled with negativity, ours is just the opposite.”
He added, “We continue to maintain a close friendship and care deeply about each other. Jane has rededicated herself to activism and I am finishing my memoirs. So all is well with the Fonda-Perry relationship. We’re just starting a new chapter.”
