Norman Levy

Former vice chairman of 20th Century Fox

By VARIETY STAFF

Norman Levy, former vice chairman of 20th Century Fox who was known for acquiring offbeat films such as the raucous teenage comedy "Porky's" and turning them into box office hits, died Sept. 17 of cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was 67.

Native New Yorker began his career in the sales department at Universal Pictures in the Midwest in 1957. He joined National General Pictures in 1968 as sales manager and was responsible for distributing Cinema Center Films such as the Dustin Hoffman starrer "Little Big Man."

In 1974, he became president of distribution at Columbia Pictures, where he helped reverse the studio's sagging fortunes by acquiring independent movies such as "You Light Up My Life," "The Lords of Flatbush" and "When a Stranger Calls."

He was named president of 20th Century Fox Entertainment in 1980, heading worldwide distribution and marketing of all Fox movies. Levy was later promoted to vice chairman of the studio, where he was responsible for the development, production and distribution of the company's films. In this role, he continued to champion such pics as "Porky's," which Fox turned into a billion-dollar franchise. He left the studio in 1984.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Helene; three sons; and four grandchildren.