The president and general manager of Tyler Perry Studios, Steve Mensch, tragically died in a plane crash in Florida on Friday, December 6, 2024. Mensch, an experienced pilot, was 62 years old.
The tragic accident occurred in Homosassa, Florida, approximately 60 miles north of Tampa. The single-engine Vans RV-12IS, registered to Mensch at his Fayetteville, Georgia residence, crashed on a roadway. Images from the scene depict the aircraft overturned. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
Tyler Perry Studios confirmed Mensch’s death on Saturday, releasing a statement expressing their profound sorrow. “Steve was a cherished member of our team for more than eight years and well-beloved in the community of Atlanta,” the statement read. They highlighted his ever-present smile and the void his absence will leave. The studio extended their heartfelt condolences and prayers to Mensch’s family.
The wreckage of the plane piloted by Steve Mensch. (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles via AP)
Mensch’s contributions to the film industry extended beyond Tyler Perry Studios. He was a staunch advocate for Georgia’s substantial film tax credit, exceeding $1 billion annually. This significant incentive has positioned Georgia as a leading hub for film and television production in the United States.
Prior to joining Tyler Perry Studios in 2016, Mensch’s career included roles at Feature Systems, a film equipment provider, and Turner Broadcasting, where he oversaw studio operations and fostered strategic production partnerships. His involvement in lobbying for increased government support for film and television production began during his tenure at Turner Broadcasting. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Georgia Production Partnership, a prominent entertainment industry advocacy group. Ric Reitz, an actor involved in the creation of the tax credits, emphasized Mensch’s instrumental role in shaping Georgia’s film and television landscape and fostering its remarkable growth. Mensch’s efforts included pre-Olympics marketing of the state as a filming destination.
Mensch joined Tyler Perry Studios in 2016, contributing significantly to the development and management of the sprawling 330-acre studio complex, situated on a former Army base in Atlanta. Poignantly, Mensch’s death coincided with the release of Perry’s latest film, “The Six Triple Eight,” a World War II drama filmed at the Atlanta studio. The film focuses on the heroic contributions of a predominantly Black, all-female battalion.
Steve Mensch is survived by his wife, Danila, and their three children. His unexpected passing represents a significant loss to the entertainment industry and the Atlanta community. His legacy of leadership, advocacy, and dedication to filmmaking will endure.
