J.C Spink, a producer who worked on “The Hangover,” “We’re the Millers” and “A History of Violence,” has passed away at 45, TheWrap has learned.
Spink died Tuesday night at his home in West Hollywood, California. No cause of death was immediately known — an autopsy has yet to be performed.
Originally from Philadelphia, Spink was one half of Benderspink, the management-production company that he founded with Chris Bender. The pair graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and were assistants at management-production company Zide-Perry Productions before striking out on their own in 1998, working out of a house they shared in West Hollywood.
Within its first year, Benderspink had sold more than 20 screenplays and helped set up “American Pie,” which grossed $235 million worldwide. It then signed a first-look production deal with New Line Cinema.
Benderspink specialized in spec screenplays, and the partners were instrumental in big sales for screenplays that ended up becoming movies — ranging from “Cats & Dogs” and “The Ring” to “Monster-in-Law” and “We’re the Millers.”
In just under two decades, Spink racked up credits on movies such “The Hangover” trilogy, “The Butterfly Effect,” the “Ride Along” films and “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.” He was nominated for a Golden Globe for producing “A History of Violence.”
Spink is survived by his brothers, his parents Marsh and Helyn, his sisters-in-law Jessica and Holly, his niece Campbell and his nephew Bennett.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news of Spink’s passing.
The memorial for Spink will be held at 10am on Thursday, May 4, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church (504 N. Camden Dr., Beverly Hills, 90210), followed by a small reception on the church grounds.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, they’d appreciate it if friends would donate to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (http://curealz.org/).