‘Super-Man’ franchise producer Laura Ziskin lost her battle with breast cancer on June 12, 2011 at the age of 61, E!Online is reporting. Ziskin, who also co-founded Stand Up 2 Cancer (SU2C), died in her sleep in Santa Monica.

The ‘Pretty Woman’ producer received a Stage 3 diagnosis in 2004, and then went on to co-found SU2C. She produced several televised fundraisers for the foundation in recent years. After the news of her death became public, SU2C released a statement, saying “It is with great sadness that we share with you the news that our colleague and dear friend (Laura) Ziskin, co-founder of Stand Up To Cancer, passed away peacefully today at her home in Santa Monica, California.”

The foundation added that arrangements for funeral and memorial services have not yet been made. “When available, we will share them with you. Additional information and tributes to (Laura) will soon be found at www.su2c.org,” the statement added.

Breast cancer survivor Christina Applegate tweeted her support for Ziskin, who was also known in 2002 for being the first woman to produce the Academy Awards on her own, for which she won several Emmys. Applegate tweeted right after the news became public, saying “Just heard that the remarkable, talented, amazing (Laura) Ziskin has passed away! #su2c we will continue to fight for you!!!”

Written by: Karen Benardello

Laura Ziskin