'Ocean's Eleven' producer Jerry Weintraub dead at 77

Hollywood producer Jerry Weintraub, who made the "Ocean's Eleven" movies and managed artists including Frank Sinatra, has died aged 77, a spokeswoman said Monday.

George Clooney and former US president George H.W. Bush were among the first to mourn Weintraub, whose credits also included "Diner," "The Karate Kid" and 1998's "The Avengers."

"In the coming days there will be tributes... We'll laugh at his great stories, and applaud his accomplishments," Clooney said in a statement.

"And in the years to come, the stories and accomplishments will get better with age, just as Jerry would have wanted it. But not today. Today our friend died."

Weintraub originally worked as a talent manager, representing stars such as Sinatra, Neil Diamond and John Denver. He briefly led United Artists, but left to head up his own production house, Weintraub Entertainment Group.

The producer, who eventually landed at Warner Bros studios, died of heart failure in Santa Barbara, California, spokeswoman Michelle Bega told AFP.

"Jerry was an American original, who earned his success by the sheer force of his instinct, drive, and larger-than-life personality. He had a passion for life," Bush said.

"And throughout the ups and downs of his prolific career it was clear just how much he loved show business."