Remembering Jay Stein: The Mastermind Behind Universal Studios’ Theme Park Success
Jay Stein, the visionary executive who transformed Universal Studios into a world-class theme park destination, has passed away at the age of 88. Stein’s legacy is a testament to his innovative approach to theme park design and his ability to bring movies to life for generations of fans.
Stein’s journey with Universal Studios began in the 1960s, when he worked in the company’s mailroom. He eventually moved into the fledgling tour unit, which had launched the tram tour in 1964 to make use of the studio’s vast real estate. However, some executives viewed the tour as a distraction from film production, and its prospects looked dim. Stein, however, saw the potential and worked tirelessly to convince others of the benefits of having the studio tour.
Jay Stein with his wife, Connie, in Oregon.
(Connie Stein)
A Pioneer in Theme Park Design
Stein’s contributions to the theme park industry have been recognized by experts, including author Sam Gennawey, who wrote “JayBangs: How Jay Stein, MCA, & Universal Invented the Modern Theme Park and Beat Disney at Its Own Game.” Gennawey considers Stein a key pioneer of U.S. theme parks, noting that he was “remarkably competitive” and recognized the potential for Universal to create something unique and complementary to Disney.
The “Runaway Train” attraction on the Universal Studios back-lot tour, one of its many exhilarating “JayBangs.”
(NBCUniversal Archives & Collections)
A Lasting Legacy
Stein’s legacy extends beyond his contributions to Universal Studios. He played a significant role in shaping the theme park industry as a whole. His innovative approach to theme park design and his ability to bring movies to life have inspired countless fans and professionals alike. As Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive of Universal Destinations & Experiences, noted, “Jay was the visionary behind Universal’s expansion from the Studio Tour in Hollywood to the creation of our world-class theme park destination at Universal Orlando and beyond.”
