Albert Ruddy obituary

Canadian-American producer who won Oscars for the hit film classics The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby

It is common enough for the lives of actors to be dramatised. Even directors get the biographical treatment on occasion. Producers not so much. One exception is Albert S Ruddy, who has died aged 94. His initiative and perseverance in shepherding to the screen the magisterial crime drama The Godfather was documented in the 10-part mini-series The Offer (2022), starring Miles Teller as Ruddy.

Its title was a reference to the threat famously issued in the film by the mafia boss Don Corleone, played by Marlon Brando: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” Ruddy dealt directly with the criminal bosses who tried to muscle in on the movie.