Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543098
10 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Spring 2026 IN LOVING MEMORY OF JEFF WEXLER Y-1 April 18, 1947 – December 9, 2025 by Vanessa Withers, Jeff's daughter Yesterday, (Tuesday, December 9), our dad, Jeff Wexler, passed away at his home in Santa Monica after years of struggling with chronic kidney disease. He was 78. Losing him is overwhelming, even though we knew his body had been fighting for a long time. Our dad was kind in a way that felt effortless, generous in a way that asked for nothing back, and endlessly curious about the world. What meant the most to him was his family. He was a source of unwavering support, encouragement, and love, always present for us regardless of his professional commitments. He also had a life in cinema that shaped who he was. He grew up around film sets as the son of Haskell Wexler, but he carved out his own path. He once thought he would become a sociology teacher, until a summer job on Harold and Maude showed him exactly where he belonged: right there on set, actively listening, creatively contributing, paying attention in the way only he could. Over the next five decades, he became one of the great Production Sound Mixers, working on more than seventy films. His credits include Coming Home, Fight Club, Almost Famous, The Last Samurai, Jerry Maguire, As Good as It Gets, and so many others. He cared deeply about his craft and was always pushing it forward. He helped usher in new recording technologies long before they became standard. He mentored younger sound people. He loved problem-solving. He loved being part of something bigger than himself. But the main thing we want people to know is that he was a great dad. Someone who showed up for us. A man of quiet integrity, whose deep and comprehensive exploration of the human condition was evident in all he did. He loved film for its ability to connect people. Our stepmom, Carol, passed away earlier this year, and even though losing them both so close together feels surreal, we are grateful they are at peace. We know our dad will be missed far beyond our family. The film community loved him, learned from him, and was inspired by him. We were fortunate to have him as a father, and despite his physical absence, he remains with us always. Steve Nelson Along with all the richly deserved accolades and loving memories, what is also significant in his legacy is that Jeff was a community builder. JWSoundgroup. net is a place not only for buying, selling, and trading equipment, but where knowledge and expertise is freely shared and passed along. Newbies can ask without fear and be answered by those who know. Jeff was key in making a formerly atomized group of folks all doing the same work, all over the world, and creating a community. Always a generous and lovely soul, he will be missed. Jeff Wexler wearing a bag rig, for the first time ever at NAB 2015 at the K-Tek booth with Dan Hale booming Eric Toline. Photo by Whit Norris Jeff Wexler and Brenda Klemme. Photo by Whit Norris With love, Vanessa and David