Frank Agrama, founder and chairman of Harmony Gold, which produced and distributed the popular Robotech movies, passed away last night at his home with his family by his side. Born on January 1, 1930, Agrama was 93 years of age.
Agrama grew up as a child actor in Egypt who had his own television show, and he was earning more than his father, the Surgeon General of Egypt. He studied studying medicine and surgery at the University of Cairo but he left Egypt to study at UCLA. He then moved to Lebanon to produce features in that country until the Six-Day War in 1967 brought a productive period to an end. He then moved to Italy with his wife and two young kids and founded Film Association of Rome, which produced and distributed over 20 titles a year.
Later on, Agrama moved to L.A. to launch the groundwork of his company, Harmony Gold in 1983. During its first year, HG launched the popular Shaka Zulu mini, the most successful first-run syndicated miniseries in the history of TV.
In 1985, he exec produced Robotech: The Movie, a successful Japanese-American co-pro, which was directed by Noboru Ishiguro and Carl Macek. The film was created by mixing footage from the Japanese direct-to-video movie Megazone 23 Part 1 and the animated television series Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross, with very loose connections to the Robotech TV series. The plot centers on an intergalactic battle between visiting aliens and the people of Earth over robo-technology secrets.
Among Harmony Gold’s other successful titles in the 1980s were The World of Talisman (aka Birth) (1987), Robotech II: The Sentinels (1987), Lensman: Power of the Lens (1987), Around the World in 80 Days (1989) and Dragon Ball (1989). He also wrote and produced the 2006 movie Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles. Sony is working on a live-action feature based on Robotech, with Mark Canton (Power, Freak Brothers) and Gianni Nunnari (300, Immortals) producing.
Agrama leaves behind his wife of 70 years, Olfet Agrama, son Ahmed Agrama (Lena), daughter Jehan Agrama (Dwora Fried), brother Hani Agrama (Roberta), sister Amina Ramzy, grandchildren Maya, Natasha, Frankie, Anjoum Anissa, Tayo, Marli, and the Harmony Gold family and friends. Those who wish to make a donation on his behalf can consider Doctors Without Borders, World Central Kitchen or the LA Mission, per the family’s request. There will be a memorial at Harmony Gold in May.
