Twenty-six years ago today, my mentor Janet died in the most unthinkable of ways. But I’d rather focus on how she lived. On her kindness and wisdom.
I launched my filmmaking career with an internship in L.A.’s Fox Plaza tower, the skyscraper Hans Gruber blew up in Die Hard. Davis Entertainment (Predator, I, Robot, Jungle Cruise) overlooked 20th Century Fox Studios, and was just a few floors below Ronald Reagan’s office.
The head of the division, where I worked for all the abuse I could eat, was a hot-tempered woman who passed out criticism like candy to trick-or-treaters. Surrounding her office was a cursing cadre of anxiety-fueled junior producers.
But the moment I entered this Hollywood pressure-cooker, I got noticed by Director of Development Janet Burrows. She was a relentlessly upbeat former actress who’d discovered she liked making movies even better than being in them. She told me, “You’re not like others here, Mitch. So just ignore them and be your true self.” She instantly became my hero. And my friend.
Good stories have good bones. I’d studied writing, but knew little about screenplay structure. Janet taught me how to create a proper story arc, a strong narrative drive, and a powerful conclusion. She gave me responsibilities unheard of for an intern, trusting me to actually develop new movie projects.
And conversely, when she got engaged, it was me she came to for premarital advice. “Why me?” I asked. “Are you serious?” she replied, glancing at the surrounding producer’s offices. “Do you think they know how to stay married?”
Four months after I began, I managed to secure the movie rights to a highly sought-after book series. I took it to Janet, and she said, “You’re fired.”
“What?”
Then she smiled and explained that, as an intern, I’d get nothing but a friendly “thank you” for bringing them the project. So, following her advice, I quit, and came back the next day as an independent movie producer–and she signed a deal with me.
When Janet moved to Warner Brothers as a V.P., she continued to honor our development deal. A few years later, she got pregnant, and I couldn’t have been happier for her and her husband Ed.
But four months after that, her assistant Kevin called with news that still echoes like a nightmare in my memory. An intruder had broken into her house while she was alone, and murdered her and her unborn baby. Why would anyone kill one of the most decent people on the planet? One Emmy-winning investigative journalist thinks he knows. It was because she refused to stop developing a film project about a high-level government cover-up. Janet was fearless and true to herself to the end.
It’s been two-and-a-half decades since she died, but I still think of her often. And when I do, I thank God for the friend and mentor who encouraged me to be my true self…
Just as she was.
You must have been devastated. She was so wise.
A good mentor is a priceless gift.
a terrible tragedy! may she feel the light and warmth forever from all the people that she helped and mentored! Mike
Thank you, Mike.
Thank you for sharing. I never understand life sometimes. But it sounds as if you were quite fortunate to have Such a good friend!
She was.
Very sad story, thank God for the times you two had together.
Sobering yet also precious to have a mentor like her.
Beautifully remembered Mitch!
Thank you, Karima.
I’m glad she was instrumental to you. How tragic the way she died.
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that is so awful and what a wonderful mentor
What an amazing story about following your dream’s without compromising your beliefs. She sounds like an awesome
Mentor as well as someone willing to share her knowledge with you. Not only that but a true friend. People like that don’t come along very often. Thanks for honoring her memory with this tribute.
My privilege, Kathy.
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What a sad story. I am so sorry.
Thank you, Doval.
Very sad but at the same time she has left a lot behind. May she rest in peace.
So sorry about your mentor Mitch.
Thank you, Janice.
what a tragedy. And to lose someone who had such an impact on you must have been devastating. Thank you for sharing this.
My privilege, Lynn.
RIP Janet, may she find her place in heaven,
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Mitch,
What a wonderful and tragic story that you lived through. I’m so sorry that you never got to meet her baby or that she never got to see how her influence has continued on in your life and now in ours!
Thank you for introducing Janet to us; a faithful friend.
My privilege, Debi.
I’m so sorry to hear about what happened. Hang onto the good memories.
I shall, Venus.
What a sick and depraved act by what had to be an evil spawn of Satan. Janet sounds like she was an absolute blessing for you and the other interns she mentored. I am so sorry your friendship with her was cut short.
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Oh! What a tragedy to lose her life so early and in that way. Thank you for sharing how she impacted your life Mitch. The fact that you remember her so dearly and often even after all this time is a testament to the kind of person she was.
Thank you, Manu.
People like Janet are far and few between! It sounds like she was such a wonderful mentor that cared about you. So sad about losing her life and baby. I can’t even watch the news anymore.
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What a freakin great line: “Good stories have good bones.” Yes, Mitch 100%. Take care my friend. Julian
You too, Julian.
How sad, Mitch. Her legacy lives in you. Thanks for all you do Mitch to encourage others. Your post reminds me of how blessed I am to have had some amazing mentors in my life. These were selfless people who stood to gain nothing from helping me. It’s a good reminder to extend a helping hand to the people God places in our life and on our hearts.
Thank you, Chris, and amen.
What a beautiful tribute to Janet Mitch. Obviously I didn’t know Janet, but somehow I know she would be so happy to know what a positive impact she had on your life. It’s such a gift to have such a wonderful mentor, and as Chris said, “her legacy lives in you.” Thanks for introducing us to her.
My privilege, Terri.
Thanks for introducing Janet’s lovable being to us. She must have been one of the blessings people are granted only few times in life.
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What a tragedy, sorry for your loss. Sounds like Janet was a wonderful mentor with great advice; to be yourself.
The fact that you’re writing about her 2 decades later tells a lot about her and her impact on you. It’s beautiful how some people just imprint their goodness on us and carry that forever ❤️
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Lovely tribute.
Thank you, Madeline.
How incredibly sad that a person of such goodness, would be murdered. May her memory continue to inspire and encourage you.
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That’s so sad! Remembering her legacy and goodness is a wonderful tribute.
Thank you, Jennie.
You’re welcome.
A loving tribute.
Those who can see beyond the superficial recognize those who are more than just on the surface. Thank God for people like her.