Ted Mann

Ted Mann (April 16, 1916 - January 15, 2001) was an American businessman and key figure in the film industry. He is best known as the head of Mann Theatres, a chain of movie theaters. Born to a Jewish family in Wishek, North Dakota, Mann began his career in the movie business as an usher while attending the University of Minnesota in the 1930s. He later purchased and operated multiple theaters and drive-ins in the Midwest. In 1973, Mann acquired the National General Theatre chain, and notably renamed Grauman's Chinese Theatre to Mann's Chinese Theater. Mann also ventured into film production, with his first credit being the 1969 movie, The Illustrated Man. He sold his theater chain in 1970 but continued to have an impact on the industry throughout his career.