Larry Turman has produced 40 feature films and directed two during his career in Hollywood, and he’s also executive produced a number of projects for television. He spent $1,000 of his own money to option a then little-known book called “The Graduate” in 1963 – something he told Vanity Fair he “advises his students not to do” – and is a member of the Producers Guild of America Hall of Fame. Despite his impressive portfolio, Turman has considered himself somewhat of an outsider, having started his career in the garment industry.

AGE 89

TITLE: Chair of the Peter Stark Producing Program

SCHOOL: USC School of Cinematic Arts, Los Angeles

How many hours a week do you work?

I don’t punch a clock, but it’s pretty much 40.

Why not retire?

The question should be, Why retire? It’s a great, hugely satisfying job.

Does your family want you to retire?

Absolutely not, although (my wife) wouldn’t care if I chose to.

Best part of working past 80?

Same answer if it were past 60, or any age.

And the worst?

There is no worst part of my particular job, although selecting only 24 new (master of fine arts) students out of 275 or so applicants is daunting from my perspective and sometimes heartbreaking for applicants. And, hey, we’re human and likely make some mistakes.

Are you up to date on technology?

Not as up to date as I’d like to be, should be, and intend to be. However, that has not been, is not, any hindrance to my job performance.

What is the best advice you ever got?

A standard question. I do not recall any specific “best” advice. My father used to admonish: “Keep punching” and “Never say never.” I myself have told my three sons, “Identify that which you want in life and then go after it without hurting anyone.”

What advice would you give to people who want to work well past 65?

Follow your heart.

What’s the secret to staying healthy and active?

Wish I knew. Having long-lived, healthy parents is surely No. 1. Following Aristotle’s “golden mean” (moderation in everything) is surely helpful.

Do you work as much as you used to in your 40s and 50s?

Yes, for sure. Actually everything today is harder, faster, because of technology. We used to have weekends free of work, but not today with the internet, email, etc.

How has your work routine changed?

It has not. One must deal with what comes at you. Plus, first and foremost is thinking/planning how to improve whatever the task is.

What do you miss the most about being young?

The paucity of time going forward.

What do you see in the future?

Sure wish the hell I knew.

– Kristin Marguerite Doidge