Home / Arts and Entertainment / Hollywood Legal Pioneer Susan Grode Dies at 86
Hollywood Legal Pioneer Susan Grode Dies at 86
12 Feb
Summary
- Susan Grode, a pioneering entertainment lawyer, has died at 86.
- She was instrumental in defining artist rights and protections.
- Grode championed feminist causes, including reproductive freedom.
Susan Grode, a distinguished Hollywood lawyer renowned for championing artist rights, has passed away at the age of 86. She died on February 8 in Los Angeles from natural causes. Grode, who retired in 2021 from Katten Muchin LLP, was a partner and co-chair of the national entertainment and media department.
Her career was marked by significant contributions to defining contractual protections that are now standard in the entertainment industry. Grode authored "The Visual Artist's Manual" in 1984, a guide for artists to navigate their careers and protect their work. Her notable clients included Matt Groening, creator of "The Simpsons," and Judy Chicago.
Beyond her legal work, Grode was a fervent advocate for women's rights. She actively participated in marches for reproductive freedom and equal pay. Her commitment extended to serving on the board of the Ms. Foundation and co-founding the Hollywood Women's Political Committee. She also lent her support to various performing arts organizations.
