Spider-Man Producer Laura Ziskin Dead at 61

Stand Up to Cancer founder was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003

By Jenna Mullins Jun 13, 2011 4:15 AMTags
Laura Ziskin, Kirsten DunstL. Cohen/WireImage

Laura Ziskin, Spider-Man franchise producer and cofounder of Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C), lost her battle with breast cancer Sunday night. She was 61.

According to a statement from SU2C, Ziskin passed peacefully in her sleep in Santa Monica surrounded by friends and family...

Though she was best known for her work on Pretty Woman and the Spider-Man films, Ziskin was also the first woman to produce the Academy Awards solo in 2002 and was a multiple Emmy winner. After receiving a Stage 3 diagnosis in 2004, Ziskin cofounded SU2C and went on to produce several televised fundraisers for the foundation.

SU2C says in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we share with you the news that our colleague and dear friend Laura Ziskin, cofounder of Stand Up to Cancer, passed away peacefully today at her home in Santa Monica.

"While our hearts are broken, this loss strengthens the determination of the entire Stand Up To Cancer family to make Laura¹s fervent wish one day become a reality: to make it possible for everyone diagnosed with cancer to become long-term survivors."

The family is working on funeral and memorial arrangements. The plans, along with tributes, will be posted at www.su2c.org.