Ron Castell, Former Blockbuster Video Executive, Dead at 75

Marketing career also involved stints at Spelling Productions and Warner Communications

James Ronald “Ron” Castell, a creative marketing executive best known for his long stint at Blockbuster Video, died Thursday from a rare neurodegenerative disease. He was 75.

Castell joined Blockbuster as senior vice president for programming in 1989, and helped oversee the home entertainment company’s outreach to the major Hollywood studios. He also authored the book, “The Blockbuster Video Guide to the Movies and Videos,” which tapped into his deep knowledge of film history.

Also read: Hollywood’s Notable Deaths of 2013

After Blockbuster purchased Aaron  Spelling Productions, Castell helped run the television company behind “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Melrose Place.”

In addition to his professional achievements, Castell was chairman of the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival and was appointed by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to chair the  Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council.

An avid movie lover, Castell was known for watching films early in the morning while reading the newspaper and for his encyclopedic memory of facts and trivia about the silver screen.

Castell also served as executive vice president of marketing for  QUBE, Warner Cable’s interactive cable service.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Barbara, three children and three grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5, at First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale.

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