Tom Pollock served as chairman of Universal Pictures from 1986 to 1996 and was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the American Film Institute. In 1998, Pollock co-founded The Montecito Picture Company with Director/Producer Ivan Reitman. He died in 2020 of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 77.
Attended The Happy Valley School, now named Besant Hill School, in Ojai, CA, which his maternal grandfather Louis Zalk helped establish.
Began his career as an entertainment lawyer. One of his first clients was George Lucas starting with THX-1138. He helped Lucas in the negotiations of Star Wars merchandising and sequel rights.
Was named Executive Vice President of MCA Inc. and chairman of Universal Pictures in 1986, where he oversaw the release of box office successes including Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, Field of Dreams and the Back to the Future trilogy.
After leaving Universal he become chairman of the American Film Institute. Hecame a member of AFI's Board of Trustees, became Chairman of the Board in 1996; and during his tenure, AFI debuted its 100 Years...100 Movies television and AFI Awards.