American film industry executive and producer Alan Ladd, Jr. is famous for giving George Lucas the go-ahead to make Star Wars. For his contribution to the motion picture industry, Ladd received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, September 28, 2007.

He was born on October 22, 1937 in Los Angeles, California, the son of actor Alan Ladd and Cindra Ladd.

He started in films as an agent in 1963. In 1969, Ladd moved to London to produce, making nine films. He returned to the States in 1973 to become Head of Creative Affairs at 20th Century Fox.

During three very successful years Ladd was President of Fox. Star Wars and Alien were a few of the classics during his tenure. But in 1979 Ladd left his position to found his own production company, The Ladd Company. He enjoyed great successes with comedies like Night Shift and Police Academy and Oscar Winners The Right Stuff and Best Picture, Chariots of Fire. The company also produced the cult classic Blade Runner.

In 1985, Ladd joined MGM/UA, eventually becoming Chairman and CEO of Pathé Entertainment. During his tenure MGM/UA enjoyed hits like A Fish Called Wanda, Moonstruck, and Thelma & Louise. Ladd reformed the Ladd Company with Paramount Pictures in 1993 where he produced the hits The Brady Bunch Movie and Best Picture Winner Braveheart.

Ladd is now producing independently with The Ladd Company.

Source: Wikipedia