Robert Joseph George
October 16, 1972 - October 17, 2023
It's rare to meet someone you feel you've always known. Someone whose openness and warmth makes you feel seen and appreciated. This was Robert George's gift to everyone he met. His gentle confidence and deferential compassion were the bedrocks of his disposition. His smile was giving and unafraid. And if you had the pleasure to know him, you were touched by the depth and peacefulness of his presence. Robert Joseph George, Jr., 51, died on Tuesday, October 17th in a bicycle accident.
Bob, as he was often called, was born on October 16th, 1972 in Peoria, Illinois to Robert Joseph George, Sr. and Vicki Dale. In his youth, Bob was a tournament golfer and even traveled to the USSR to play. He attended the University of Iowa, majoring in finance, before following his dreams to film school at UCLA. His instincts, hard work, and extraordinary ability to connect with others lead to an impressive career as a motion picture producer, enabling Bob to work with some of the industry's brightest stars, and taking him to celebrated film festivals around the world.
Bob met his wife Yasmine Nasser Diaz in 2012. Their passion for travel kept them active, as their passion for each other kept them grounded. They eloped in January 2018. Adoring cat dad to Thomas and Ellie, Bob found his center through meditation, fitness, and the company of those he loved. Yasmine most of all. Bob was the champion of Yasmine's inspiration, and his accomplishments forever stand as a testament to their love.
Robert Joseph George, Jr. has been laid to rest at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Yasmine, his sister Jennifer George, and his many friends. Donations can be made in his name to The Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service.
As my friend Bob George used to say, “You’re getting close.” He’d say it about my personal life and he’d say it on set. He always knew what the missing pieces were and wasn’t afraid to tell me.
I met Bob, who died last week at 51 in a tragic bike accident in Silver Lake, through a friend. It was immediately apparent that we were exact opposites. I felt instantly balanced, just being in the room with him. He was an effortless, kind and gentle soul. An affable, hilarious guy who loved to laugh. I called him the very next day to go for drinks, and it was clear to us both that we liked each other to the point that we wanted to keep each other forever.
He was still a production accountant in 2013 when he expressed an interest in producing, and I thought to myself — I need this guy on my team. When our film “Newness” came around, it was a no-brainer and I asked Bob to join as my producing partner. He was into thrillers and most of all, he loved “Michael Clayton,” a film that is both restrained and stylish, just like him. He was very curious about my stuff too, and was up to the challenge of fitting a $5 million dollar idea into a $1.1 million budget. His value was instantly revealed, as he didn’t hesitate to reach out to his friends at his favorite haunts, like Bar Covell on Sunset, to help us out.
Listen to Chris Douridas' tribute to Robert George.
