Sleepless in Seattle and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days producer Lynda Obst dies at 74

Hollywood producer Lynda Obst, known for some of the most beloved romantic comedies of recent years, including Sleepless in Seattle, has died at the age of 74.

Obst's death was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by her son, Oly Obst.

Her exact cause of death has not been reported, but the publication reports she was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the years before her death.

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According to the Mayo Clinic, COPD is "caused by damage to the lungs" and causes include smoking.

"My mum was a trailblazer and a fierce advocate for women. Also, she was an amazing mother, sister and best friend," Oly told The Hollywood Reporter.

"[My wife] Julie and I are incredibly grateful that she was my mom and that my daughters got to have her as a grandmother. We will miss her."

The acclaimed producer was known for her work on films including Sleepless in Seattle and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

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She was also known for The Invention of Lying, Interstellar, Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging, Someone Like You and Flashdance.

Following the news of her death, Twisters star Glen Powell paid tribute to the late producer on X. He called her a "trailblazer".

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"I interned for Lynda when I first moved to LA. A true trailblazer who never missed an opportunity to help me learn," he wrote.

"I'd often get to drive her home from the office and witnessed someone who took in everything.

"To her, the entire world was a great story ripe for the making. RIP."

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