History of Harvey Weinstein in Timeline
Harvey Weinstein is a former American film producer and convicted sex offender. In 1979, he co-founded Miramax, which produced numerous successful independent films, including "Pulp Fiction" and "Shakespeare in Love." Weinstein won an Academy Award for "Shakespeare in Love" and seven Tony Awards for various plays and musicals. He later co-founded The Weinstein Company (TWC), serving as co-chairman until 2017. His career ended after numerous allegations of sexual assault and harassment, leading to his conviction and imprisonment.
1924: Birth of Harvey Weinstein's Father
Harvey Weinstein's father, Max Weinstein, was born in 1924.
1926: Birth of Harvey Weinstein's Mother
Harvey Weinstein's mother, Miriam (née Postel), was born in 1926.
March 19, 1952: Harvey Weinstein's Birth
On March 19, 1952, Harvey Weinstein was born in Flushing, Queens, New York City.
1969: Start of University at Buffalo Attendance
Harvey Weinstein began attending the University at Buffalo in 1969.
1973: End of University at Buffalo Attendance
In 1973, Harvey Weinstein stopped attending the University at Buffalo, choosing to focus on his business interests instead of completing his degree.
1976: Death of Harvey Weinstein's Father
Harvey Weinstein's father, Max Weinstein, passed away in 1976.
1979: Co-Founding of Miramax
In 1979, Harvey Weinstein and his brother, Bob Weinstein, co-founded the entertainment company Miramax.
May 1982: Release of The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
In May 1982, Miramax released 'The Secret Policeman's Other Ball', a film about benefit shows for Amnesty International, which became their first hit and helped raise the organization's profile in the United States.
1988: Release of The Thin Blue Line
Miramax released Errol Morris' documentary 'The Thin Blue Line' in 1988, which brought attention to the case of a wrongfully convicted inmate and ultimately led to his release.
1989: Release of Sex, Lies, and Videotape
In 1989, Miramax released 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape', which helped establish them as a major player in the independent film industry.
1989: Lawsuit Against MPAA Over X-Rating
In 1989, after two Miramax films received an X-rating, effectively halting their nationwide release, Weinstein sued the MPAA over the rating system. Although the lawsuit was dismissed, the MPAA introduced the NC-17 rating two months later.
1989: Release of Sex, Lies, and Videotape
Miramax released Steven Soderbergh's groundbreaking film 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape' in 1989, propelling Miramax to become the most successful independent studio in America.
1992: Release of The Crying Game
In 1992, Miramax released the critically acclaimed film 'The Crying Game'.
1993: Acquisition by Disney
Following the success of 'The Crying Game', Disney purchased Miramax for $80 million in 1993. This cemented the Weinsteins' influence in Hollywood and allowed them to remain at the helm of their company.
1994: Release of Pulp Fiction and Heavenly Creatures
Miramax released two highly successful films in 1994: Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Heavenly Creatures'.
1995: Pulp Fiction Nominated for Best Picture
Miramax's 'Pulp Fiction' was nominated for Best Picture in 1995, though it ultimately lost to 'Forrest Gump'.
1996: Release of Flirting with Disaster
Miramax released the film 'Flirting with Disaster' in 1996.
1997: First Academy Award for Best Picture
In 1997, Miramax won its first Academy Award for Best Picture with 'The English Patient'.
1998: Release of Shakespeare in Love and Academy Award Win
In 1998, Miramax released 'Shakespeare in Love', for which Weinstein won an Academy Award for producing.
1998: Release of Good Will Hunting and Shakespeare in Love
Miramax released two critically acclaimed films in 1998, 'Good Will Hunting' and 'Shakespeare in Love', both of which received numerous awards, including several Academy Awards.
September 26, 2000: Awarded Honorary Doctorate
On September 26, 2000, Harvey Weinstein was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) by the University at Buffalo.
April 19, 2004: Appointed Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire
On April 19, 2004, Weinstein was appointed an honorary commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his contributions to the British film industry.
2005: Co-Founding of The Weinstein Company
Harvey Weinstein and his brother, Bob, founded The Weinstein Company (TWC) in 2005.
March 2, 2012: Knighted into the French Legion of Honour
On March 2, 2012, Weinstein was made a knight of the French Legion of Honour, in recognition of Miramax's efforts to increase the presence and popularity of foreign films in the United States.
2016: Death of Harvey Weinstein's Mother
Harvey Weinstein's mother, Miriam (née Postel), passed away in 2016.
October 2017: Sexual Abuse Allegations and Dismissal
In October 2017, Harvey Weinstein was dismissed from his company and expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following numerous sexual abuse allegations dating back to the late 1970s. More than 80 women came forward with allegations against him by October 31, sparking the #MeToo movement and the 'Weinstein effect', highlighting widespread sexual abuse by powerful men globally.
2017: Departure from The Weinstein Company
In 2017, Harvey Weinstein departed from his role as co-chairman of The Weinstein Company.
2017: Honorary Degrees Revoked
In 2017, The University at Buffalo revoked his honorary doctorate, saying his conduct "contradicts the spirit of the honorary degree", while French President Emmanuel Macron revoked his Legion of Honour.
May 2018: Arrest and Rape Charges in New York
In May 2018, Harvey Weinstein was arrested and charged with rape in New York.
February 2020: Conviction and Sentencing in New York
In February 2020, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of two of five felony counts in his New York trial. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison and began serving his sentence at Wende Correctional Facility.
July 20, 2021: Extradition to Los Angeles
On July 20, 2021, Harvey Weinstein was extradited to Los Angeles to face further charges related to sexual assault.
December 19, 2022: Conviction in Los Angeles Trial
On December 19, 2022, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of three of seven charges in his Los Angeles trial related to sexual assault, receiving a sentence of 16 years to be served separately from his New York sentence.
April 25, 2024: Overturning of New York Rape Convictions
On April 25, 2024, the New York Court of Appeals overturned Harvey Weinstein's New York rape convictions, citing 'egregious errors' of procedure, and ordered a retrial. However, he remained imprisoned due to his California conviction.