Legendary film producer of 'Serpico' dies

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. "My grandfather was a true inspiration. He was my biggest champion in life and a constant source for wisdom and advice. I will miss him dearly," granddaughter /*Giada De Laurentiis*/, a star chef and host on /*Food Network*/, said Thursday.

The Academy Award winning movie producer is credited with revolutionizing the way movies were made and sold.

He began his film career in Italy and moved to the U.S. in the 1970s, where he made a number of successful and acclaimed films, such as "Serpico" with /*Al Pacino*/.

His credits include box office and/or critical successes such as "U-571," "War and Peace," "Ragtime," "Three Days of the Condor" and "Blue Velvet."