- Executive responsible for bringing George Lucas and Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) to Fox.
- His departure from Twentieth Century Fox cost the studio the opportunity to distribute the Indiana Jones films. The name "Indiana Jones" was inspired by a character named "Nevada Smith", played by Steve McQueen in the movie of the same name. The character first appeared, however, in The Carpetbaggers (1964), in which the role was played by Ladd's father, Alan Ladd.
- Left Fox after fighting to make "Star Wars" against the wishes of its board. "Star Wars" was the first blockbuster movie for which merchandise represented a major share of its profits, and though the film was a huge success, which gave Fox its greatest profits ever, Ladd had not secured these "ancillary" merchandising rights for the studio.
- Son of Marjorie Jane "Midge" Harrold and legendary actor Alan Ladd.
- Went to high school with Robert Redford and later became his agent.
- Ladd resigned as Chairman and CEO of Metro Goldwyn Mayer in 1993, when the studio's main lender, Credit Lyonnais, was displeased with the mounting debt problems that stemmed from Giancarlo Parretti's acquisition of the studio in 1990. Ladd was replaced by Frank Mancuso.
- Ex-stepbrother-in-law of Cheryl Ladd.
- Served as Chairman and CEO of Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) on two separate occasions from 1984-1987, under MGM's owner, Kirk Kerkorian, and again from 1991-1993 after Giancarlo Parretti's resignation when the studio was renamed as MGM-Pathe, after Parretti bought the studio in 1990 through his company, Pathe Communications.
- Stepson of actress and agent Sue Carol.
- Older half-brother of David Ladd and Alana Ladd.
- Uncle of Jordan Ladd and Shane Ladd.
- Ex-brother-in-law of Dey Young.
- Was Chairman of Pathe Entertainment (1989-1990), a production company formed by Giancarlo Parretti.
- Graduated from USC.
- Has six grandchildren.
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