Michael Timothy Stenson

Mike Stenson, after a well-lived life, passed away at his home in El Segundo, CA on Sunday, April 26, 2026. He was deeply loved by his family and many friends and will be dearly missed. The son of Tom and Mary “Molly” Stenson, originally from Ireland, Mike is survived by his brothers John and his wife, Mary, Tom and his wife, Mary, Robert and his wife, Kristin Callaghan, and nieces and nephews Kaitlin, Christopher, Elizabeth, Jack, Grace, Aidan, and Keira.

Mike was born April 29, 1960 in Boston and was a graduate of Boston College High School (1978), Harvard University (1982), and Harvard Business School (1986). A deeply thoughtful student, he completed a rigorous classical Latin and Greek honors program at BC High, continuing with studies in literature, world history, geopolitics and economic theory. An avid reader with incredible recall, he had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. All this not only served him well in his chosen career in the film business but also made him a tremendously enjoyable person to engage in conversation.

As a young boy in the 60’s, Mike loved science fiction, classical and epic stories and the creative aspects of television and filmmaking. As one of the world’s biggest Star Trek fans, he created cartoons sprinkled with SNL-like humor. As he grew in his love of storytelling, he used a basic movie camera to make primitive films with model props and action figures. Mike cultivated his early creative gifts working with friends through high school and after college.

Mike also had an independent streak and after completing his undergraduate studies, he took off by himself to backpack through Western Europe and North Africa, starting in Ireland where he attended an epic 1982 Rolling Stones concert, passing through Rome where he lost his wallet to a pickpocket, and finishing in Morocco.

Between college and business school, Mike worked on many small-budget independent films, gaining valuable experience in all aspects of film production. After business school, Mike contacted any Harvard alum working in Hollywood who would take his call or read his cover letter. Through sheer force of will he turned an informational interview into a job offer with Walt Disney Studios. He quickly rose through the ranks at Disney from Creative Executive to Executive Vice President in charge of Production.

After overseeing production for Disney of pictures such as “Crimson Tide” and “The Rock,” Mike left to become President of Jerry Bruckheimer Films, where he remained until he retired in 2014. There he significantly expanded their slate of films and oversaw every aspect of major productions such as “Black Hawk Down,” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, both “National Treasure” films, and “Remember the Titans.”

Mike prioritized family and especially enjoyed seeing his nieces and nephews grow and mature – he loved joking with them and getting their perspectives on life. Exceptionally generous, he loved being able to invite his many family members to his movie premieres. Mike had great love and respect for those who served in the military and generously supported various veterans organizations, especially those supporting the wounded and their families.

While he achieved great personal success, he always shunned the spotlight, preferring to highlight the contributions of others. Most importantly, he was a person of high moral character and conscience. He had a strong sense of justice and fairness, as well as compassion for the injured and suffering of this world. He was truly a good man who will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege to know him.

A Funeral Mass will be held at American Martyrs Catholic Church, 624 15th Street, Manhattan Beach, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 2 p.m. with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Puppies Behind Bars https://puppiesbehindbars.com/