Aaron Russo

Aaron Russo was a producer, filmmaker and Libertarian political activist. He died on August 24, 2007 from bladder cancer.

Aaron Russo's first experience with the entertainment industry was during the 1960s, when he ran the Electric Theater/Kinetic Playground, a popular night club in Chicago. He was able to book, promote and form professional relationships with many high profile musicians. In 1972, he became the manager of Bette Midler and began a brief but successful stint as a successful Broadway producer. He then made the transition into film, producing titles such as Trading Places and The Rose. In the 1990s, Russo got involved in politics and founded the Constitution Party. In 1998, he ran for governor of Nevada but was defeated in the primaries. Russo made a bid for the White House in 2004 as a member of the Libertarian Party, but came up short in the primaries against eventual candidate, Michael Badnarik. Three years later, Russo died of bladder cancer, after a six year battle.