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David Geffen

David Geffen is an American entertainment executive, film producer, record executive, and philanthropist.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

David Geffen is an American entertainment executive, film producer, record executive, and philanthropist. He co-founded Asylum Records, founded Geffen Records and DGC Records, and co-founded DreamWorks SKG. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the U.S. music and film industries.

Early life

David Geffen was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 21, 1943. He later worked in the entertainment industry after early jobs in talent representation and music business roles.

Music career

Geffen co-founded Asylum Records with Elliot Roberts in 1971. He later founded Geffen Records in 1980 and DGC Records in 1990. These labels were associated with successful artists across rock, pop, and other genres.

Film and media ventures

In addition to music, Geffen expanded into film production. He founded the Geffen Film Company in 1982 and later helped create DreamWorks SKG in 1994 with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg, which became a major Hollywood studio.

Philanthropy

Geffen has been a significant donor to cultural and educational institutions, including major contributions to medical and arts-related organizations.

Key facts

  • Geffen was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 21, 1943.
  • He co-founded Asylum Records with Elliot Roberts in 1971.
  • He founded Geffen Records in 1980 and DGC Records in 1990.
  • He co-founded DreamWorks SKG in 1994 with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg.
  • He also founded the Geffen Film Company in 1982.
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Canadian context

Geffen’s work helped shape the global music and film industries, including artists, labels, and films that were widely distributed and consumed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is David Geffen?
David Geffen is an American entertainment executive, record producer, film producer, and philanthropist known for founding major music labels and co-founding DreamWorks SKG.
What companies did David Geffen found?
He co-founded Asylum Records and founded Geffen Records, DGC Records, and the Geffen Film Company. He also co-founded DreamWorks SKG.
When was David Geffen born?
He was born on February 21, 1943.
What is David Geffen best known for?
He is best known for shaping the American music business through record labels and for helping build DreamWorks into a major entertainment company.
Is David Geffen involved in philanthropy?
Yes. He is known as a philanthropist and has made major donations to educational and cultural institutions.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Geffen
    Supports: Birth date, full name, and founding of Asylum Records, Geffen Records, DGC Records, Geffen Film Company, and DreamWorks SKG.
  2. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/us/david-geffen-fast-facts
    Supports: Birthplace, education background, and Geffen Records artist associations.
  3. Bloomberg — https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/david-geffen/
    Supports: Geffen Records sale, DreamWorks SKG co-founding, and UCLA donation context.
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/david-geffen
    Supports: Overview of Geffen's career as a record and film producer and his role in founding DreamWorks.
  5. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/69677%7C0/David-Geffen/
    Supports: Film industry role and founding of the Geffen Film Company and DreamWorks.