Lynda Obst opens up about devastating diagnosis

Lynda Obst, a powerhouse producer known for films like Sleepless in Seattle and The Talented Mr. Ripley, has long been a force to be reckoned with in the male-dominated world of Hollywood. But in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Obst bravely opened up about a different kind of challenge: a devastating ALS diagnosis.

Obst, 72, revealed she received the news in 2021, a diagnosis that shook her life to its core. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is currently no cure.

However, Obst isn't letting the diagnosis define her. The interview focused not just on her health struggles, but also on her remarkable career. Obst has championed countless female filmmakers and actors, greenlighting projects with strong female leads at a time when such stories were a rarity.

"There just weren't that many women directors, and there weren't that many women writers," Obst said. "I felt like there were stories that weren't being told, and I wanted to be a part of telling them."

Her commitment to female-driven narratives is evident in her filmography. From "Flashdance" to "The Fisher King," Obst has consistently backed projects that challenged traditional Hollywood norms and empowered women both on and off-screen.

Despite the challenges she faces, Obst continues to be a vocal advocate for social justice within the industry. She recently penned a powerful op-ed criticizing the Academy Awards' lack of recognition for female directors like Greta Gerwig (Barbie).