Leonard Maltin
Film Critic & Historian, Living with Parkinson’s
One of the world’s most respected film critics and historians…
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Full Bio
One of the world’s most respected film critics and historians, Leonard Maltin is best known for his widely-used reference work Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide, its companion volume Leonard Maltin’s Classic Movie Guide and 30 years as film critic on Entertainment Tonight. In 2015, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Inspired by actor Alan Alda’s announcement of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Maltin publicly shared his own diagnosis in 2018. Speaking out about the disease that has affected Michael J. Fox, Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt and others in public life, including the late Robin Williams, Johnny Cash, Pope John Paul II and Muhammed Ali, Maltin declared that “it’s not a death sentence, not anywhere even close to that.”
With the support of his wife of more than 40 years, Alice, Maltin continues to be highly productive and unflappably positive. He teaches at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, appears regularly on Turner Classic Movies and hosts the weekly podcast Maltin on Movies with his daughter, Jessie. He also critiques current movies at leonardmaltin.com.
A prolific author and movie historian, his books include The 151 Best Movies You’ve Never Seen, Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons, The Great Movie Comedians, The Disney Films, The Art of the Cinematographer, Movie Comedy Teams, The Great American Broadcast, and Leonard Maltin’s Movie Encyclopedia. Maltin has been the recipient of awards from the American Society of Cinematographers, Anthology Film Archives, and San Diego’s Comic-Con International. Perhaps the pinnacle of his career was his appearance in a now-classic episode of South Park.
Sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of films and movie history, Maltin is able to shape presentations around different topics — from women in film to how the Jews invented Hollywood. He also speaks about living — and thriving — with Parkinson’s disease, a candid discussion that provides the perspective of the individual living with a progressive disease and, when joined by his wife, that of the life partner who is sharing the journey.
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Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Living—and Thriving—with Parkinson’s
Hooked on Hollywood
How the Jews Invented Hollywood—and Shaped the American Dream
Videos
Happy Sunday everybody
KPCS: Leonard Maltin #89
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