Gene Ruggiero
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Gene Ruggiero | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gene S. Ruggiero June 20, 1910 |
| Died | February 19, 2002 (aged 91) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Film editor |
| Spouse | Eva Nohavka (1966-1988, divorced) |
| Children | Rafael Ruggiero Pattie Jean D'Amico |
Gene S. Ruggiero (June 20, 1910 - February 19, 2002) was an American film editor. Originally a golf caddy at an exclusive New York country club, Ruggiero was fired from his job and later went to MGM where he was assigned the job of editing. He was initially unhappy with his job and would often skip working to play golf. Eventually, he was demoted to assistant editor, and began working on several Johnny Weissmuller films.
Ruggiero came to prominence after editing the 1939 film Ninotchka. As nobody else would edit the film due to Ernst Lubitsch's reputation, the job was assigned to Ruggiero. He received his first credit on the film, and continued as an editor for the rest of his career. Ruggiero earned an Academy Award for Best Film Editing in 1956 for his work on Around the World in 80 Days, which he shared with Paul Weatherwax. He was also nominated for an Academy Award in 1955 for his editing on Oklahoma!, which he shared with George Boemler.
Biography
Gene S. Ruggiero was born in Long Island on June 20, 1910. He was the son of Phillip and Teresa Ruggiero.[1] He grew up in Manhasset, New York with his seven siblings.[1] During World War II, he served in the army.[1] Ruggiero enjoyed the sport of golf and, while in his early thirties, he worked as a caddy at a New York country club. Ruggiero often caddied for American film studio executive Nicholas Schenck. On days where Schenck's group was lacking a fourth player, they often invited Ruggiero to play.[2] However, after playing a game one day, Ruggiero returned to the clubhouse find the head pro angry with him for neglecting his caddy duties. Ruggiero was fired from his job.[2]
Ruggiero approached Schenck, and requested assistance in becoming employed. Since Schenck was head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on the east coast, he sent Ruggiero there, with a letter from him that would ensure he would be employed. When Ruggiero arrived, he was assigned the job of film editor. Ruggiero found himself displeased with the menial work, and often did not show up at the studio, choosing to play golf instead. Due to this, Ruggiero was demoted to assistant editor. He worked on several Johnny Weismuller films.[2]
Ruggiero received his first film credit in 1939, on the film Ninotchka.[3] Ernst Lubitsch, the director of the film, had a reputation around the studio which made other editors refuse to edit the film. Ruggiero was picked as the last option. The film brought Ruggiero to prominence and he worked as an editor for the rest of his career.[2]
Ruggiero was nominated for an Academy Award twice, winning once. The first time was for his work on the 1955 film Oklahoma!, which he edited with George Boemler.[4] The second time was for Around the World in 80 Days, which he ended up winning. He shared the award with Paul Weatherwax.[4]
Ruggiero married Eva Nohavka in Italy on April 9, 1966. They divorced in 1988.[1] Ruggiero lived in Ogden, Utah for four years before his death on February 19, 2002. Ruggiero is survived by his two children, four grandchildren, two brothers, and a sister.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Gene S. Ruggiero". Standard-Examiner. 22 February 2002. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ a b c d Senensky, Ralph. "To Heinie, with Love". Ralph's Cinema Trek. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- ^ Eagan, Daniel (2010). America's Film Legacy. Continuum. p. 296. ISBN 0826429777.
- ^ a b "Gene Ruggiero - Awards". AllMovie. AllRovi. Retrieved 29 September 2013.