Born in 1913, the Batman legend began working at the MGM in 1939 and eventually became Chairman of the Film Selection Committee at the infamous studio.
While there, he helped sign deals for Ben-Hur, Dr. Zhivago, and 2001: A Space Odyssey.
The sad news was announced by Melniker’s fellow producer Michael Uslan on Facebook.
He wrote: “It is with such sadness that I tell you of the passing of my Batman partner, the legendary Benjamin Melniker (1913-2018).
“Legendary is the only word capable of describing the man who started work at MGM in late 1939 and came to be known as The MGM Lion for his forcefulness in negotiating the deals for the studio while building his reputation for integrity at the same time.
“It was Ben who taught me, ‘The only thing you get to take with you when you die AND leave behind is your good name.’
Uslan continued: “In 1979, Ben believed in me and in my outlandish idea to buy the rights to Batman in order to show the world the “TRUE” Batman as created in 1939 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, a creature of the night who stalks disturbed villains in the shadows, in a series of dark and serious movies.
“Ten long years later, thanks to the relentless efforts of Ben, we succeeded, changed the comic book industry, changed the movie industry, and changed history.”
Uslan also described Melniker as a “humble man” who “never wished for attention”.
He added: “He turned down endless requests to write his book or do interviews about The Golden Age of Hollywood, especially in his latter years as he became the last mogul standing from that era
“He told me that he knew all the stories of what transpired behind the curtain at MGM in those decades, but would never reveal things that could negatively impact those people, their children or their grandchildren. Ben was a mensch.”
One fan replied: “Deepest condolences to his family and you, sir. As a Batfan, we owe you both so much.”
Another added: “I will always remember his words: ‘People will never tire of baseball and they will never tire of Batman, and I do not think they will’, RIP.”
