Mall King And "Porky's" Producer Mel Simon Dead At 82
Melvin Simon, founder of mega-mall operator Simon Property Group, died today at 82. While Simon is best known for running the largest mall operator in the U.S., with hundreds of properties nationwide, he made other — far more significant — contributions to America's cultural landscape. And, no, we're not talking about the Indiana Pacers, which he also owned. Simon was also a movie producer, and helped reinvent the teen sex comedy with "Porky's," the 1982 classic that introduced the world to the unique talents of Kim Cattrall and educated millions of young men about what not to do in the shower. We'll remember you for that, Mel — not for flooding the nation with Hot Topics, Piercing Pagodas and A&Fs.
Mall magnate, Pacers owner Melvin Simon dies at 82 [Monterey Herald]
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"Your ass is mine says Kong."
Denver Pacers? Really? Ever heard of Google?
Indianapolis Pacers, thank you.
This is odd. Howard Stern's ex-wife, Allison, married the Simon heir (who I guess is Mel Jr). Howard always talked about bringing out a remake of Porky's. But he mentioned it AFTER he got divorced. Which would mean that he'd have to secure and pay film rights to his...ex-wife's new husband.
What's funny is that as soon as I saw "mall king" with "Simon" I thought of Pentagon City mall, because there's no Pentagon City URL. It's a simon.com site that functions as the mall's website. So I guess the guy did a good job there because I have no idea who owns or runs the rest of the malls in the DC area, but I know who runs Pentagon City because I have to go to simon.com to get a directory!
Actually, the story says he died today.
It's nice to know something good about him. I remember the Kim Cattrall character in Porky's ... there are a lot of things that maybe aren't so good to remember about him. I can't say that public opinion of the Simons is always good around here.
But Marc, you should have read the article. The AP story is from Indianapolis and the first paragraph mentions the Indiana Pacers. Or at least shoot me an email any time you're going to refer to a sports team and I'll check it for you.
Have no fear ladies, this is just your local pussy inspector...
@zlionsfan: and FWIW, the article in the Indy star doesn't mention Porky's. Interesting. I mean, he's in IMDb, so it's not like it does any good to pretend he didn't produce Porky's (and the sequels, and My Bodyguard ...).
Porky's for a long period of time was THE MOST SUCCESSFUL Canadian film ever. I think it wasn't until the late 90s that it was surpassed.
Dude who wrote the story can't even spell Mark correctly, who would think the could get a sports team city right? Fail.
I loved that movie.
@Xerloq wants to...: You're on. I can't wait to see the Denver Colts and the Indianapolis Broncos play either.
I think that the tag for this post is in poor taste.
What's up with the random link to the Cali newspaper? How about a link to the Indy Star, since that's where Mel lived?
I love Consumerist, but being born & raised in Indy then seeing the "Denver Pacers" mentioned isn't cool - seriously, the Denver Pacers?! Please fix, or Reggie Miller might come kick your ass.
Didn't meet Mel, but knew several of the younger Simons - all very nice & thoughts are with them.
Wow, there's actually a writer who knows even less about sports than me, I'm amazed.
I saw Kim Cattrall in a re-run of The Incredible Hulk series about six months ago. It was with Bill Bixby and I think the year of the ep was 1978. She looked incredibly young.
There's enough wool to knit a sweater in there.
@junkmail: ."Have you seen this pr*ck? Report immediately to Beulah Balbricker. Do not attempt to apprehend this pr*ck, as it is armed and dangerous!"
@Aaron Poehler: OK, my bad. I've fixed. And, yes, I'm sure I know less about sports than you, no matter how little you actually know!
Awe, the porkies trilogy rocks.. They have been showing the first one on TV pretty much every night this week since Sunday..
How did I never know this? I've worked in several Simon Malls and never knew he was responsible for my first glimpse of male full frontal!
Porky's. I remember my parents not wanting my brother to go on a date to the local drive in to see it, so they they told him that he had to bring me and my friend along (we were about 7 years old at the time). They formulated this strategy assuming that the theater would say no way - those kids are too young - and send us all home.
Of course, they let us all in. Friend and I got relegated to the roof, with loads of junk food. We had the time of our lives watching Porky's and eating drive-in crap food. Brother had the time of his life in the car (he was much older). Win all around.
On behalf of my 12/13 year old friends and myself thank you the most instructional and entertaining film of 1982. We even got to see it in the theater, no questions asked. RIP Melvin Simon & Bob Clark.
I'd recognize that tallywacker anywhere.