Hollywood producer James G. Robinson, famed for The Exorcist & Robin Hood, dies at 90. Remembering his iconic films & legacy.
- March 9, 2026
AceShowbiz - James G. Robinson, the acclaimed Hollywood producer famous for films like The Exorcist and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, has passed away peacefully at the age of 90. His death occurred on 15 February but was only recently made public.
James G. Robinson co-founded Morgan Creek Entertainment alongside Joe Roth and played a pivotal role in producing several well-known movies, including the Ace Ventura franchise and a remake of the classic 1970s horror film The Exorcist. His career also spanned work on The Exorcist III and the 2023 film The Exorcist: The Believer, as well as 10 episodes of the The Exorcist TV series.
Despite his many accomplishments, Robinson is often remembered for his 2006 clash with actress Lindsay Lohan during the production of the film Georgia Rule. The drama overshadowed the movie itself, as Robinson publicly criticized Lohan’s behavior on set. In a legal letter, he accused her of being a "spoiled child" and blamed her for delays after she called in sick, attributing her exhaustion to excessive partying the night before.
In his letter, Robinson wrote: "We are well aware that your ongoing all-night heavy partying is the real reason for your so-called 'exhaustion'." He further described Lohan as "discourteous, irresponsible and unprofessional," highlighting the tension during filming. The movie, which also stars Jane Fonda as the grandmother, follows Lohan’s character, a rebellious teenager sent to live with her grandmother. Upon release, Georgia Rule received mostly negative reviews and holds a 19% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Aside from this infamous feud, Robinson produced several other notable films such as the 1988 hit Young Guns, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Last of the Mohicans, and True Romance. His career in film began in the 1980s after serving in the US Army, and he also spent years in the automobile industry, founding Maryland Undercoating, which processed foreign cars before he transitioned fully into filmmaking.
In a 1997 interview with Variety, Robinson reflected on his passion for the movie business, stating, "When you're working at a studio, where it's nice and comfortable, there's no pain and in my mind no short gain. Bottom line is that the greatest feeling in the world is when you make a movie that you know is good and plays unusually well. That's an emotional home run."
The news of Robinson’s passing was first reported by TMZ. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Lois Robinson, to whom he was married for 61 years, and their six children: Michael, Patrick, Brian, David, Thomas, and Beth.
According to an online obituary shared by his family, Robinson was known for his "passion for storytelling and bold approach to filmmaking and business," which left a lasting impression on the industry. The family described him as a man remembered for his "entrepreneurial spirit, his generosity," and "his unwavering dedication to his career." They emphasized that his legacy will continue through his loved ones and the many lives he impacted throughout his life.
James G. Robinson’s contributions to Hollywood, spanning decades and iconic titles, mark a significant chapter in film production history. Despite the controversies, his impact on the entertainment world remains undeniable.