Steve Mensch, the president and general manager of Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios, tragically died Friday night when the small plane he was piloting crashed on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The studio confirmed the news Saturday, releasing a heartfelt statement: “We are incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Steve Mensch. Steve was a cherished member of our team for more than eight years and well-beloved in the community of Atlanta. It’s hard to imagine not seeing him smiling throughout the halls. We will miss him dearly. Our heart goes out to his family as we all send them our prayers.”
The crash occurred in Homosassa, Florida, about 60 miles north of Tampa. Photos from the scene show the single-engine Vans RV-12IS plane, registered to Mensch, overturned on a road. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident.
Mensch, 62, was a pivotal figure in Georgia’s rise as a powerhouse for film and television production. Known for his advocacy, he played a crucial role in maintaining Georgia’s $1 billion-a-year film tax credit, which has made the state one of the top destinations for movie and TV production in the United States.
Before joining Tyler Perry Studios, Mensch began his career in the movie industry with Feature Systems, a provider of equipment for film production. He later worked for Turner Broadcasting, where he became director of strategic production partnerships and began lobbying for increased state support for the entertainment industry.
Actor and fellow tax credit advocate Ric Reitz described Mensch as a visionary. “He was trying to formulate the vision for the marketplace before the Olympics and wanted a think tank of people in the community to make Georgia competitive,” Reitz told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He was an important figure in our growth to become a strong film and TV market.”
In 2016, Tyler Perry hired Mensch to help build and manage his sprawling 330-acre studio complex, located on a former Army base in southern Atlanta. Mensch’s leadership contributed to the studio’s growth into a key player in the entertainment industry.
Mensch’s death coincided with the release of Tyler Perry’s latest film, The Six Triple Eight, a war drama about an all-Black, all-female World War II battalion. The film was shot at Tyler Perry Studios, underscoring Mensch’s impact on the productions that came to life under his guidance.
He is survived by his wife, Danila, and their three children.
