Linda Duncombe, the beloved banking executive and film producer, has died at 55.

Linda Duncombe, a longtime banking executive who spent the past two years as an independent film producer, died Sunday from complications of a stroke. She was 55. Duncombe, a well-known and generous figure in the industry, who was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer days before her death, spent five […]

Linda Duncombe, a longtime banking executive who spent the past two years as a freelance film producer, died Sunday of complications from a stroke. He was 55 years old.

An infectiously friendly face at industry events, Duncombe, who was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer days before his death, served five years as director of marketing at City National Bank. He helped direct more than $12 million in investments related to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Broadway Cares, SAG-AFTRA and the Grammy Museum. Related Stories Mubi in Los Angeles 'La Mesías' and Rodrigo Sorogin's 'Riot Cop' as Movistar Plus Releases Iconic Hits Worldwide (Exclusive) Mubi CEO Efe Cockrell praises 'fantastic' 'Primetime' opening weekend: 'Bold to Storyy'

Duncom's last public appearance was at The Evening Before the Primetime Emmy Fund's Motion Picture & Television Fund on September 13, where she reunited with friends and shook hands with some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Popular in Variety

Duncombe was born on February 10, 1971 in Australia and spent his early years there. He enrolled at Harvard Business School in 2008. First living in New York and then in an apartment near the beach in Santa Monica. He produced two films: the family adventure "The Queen's Jewels" and the thriller "Time to Kill." Both films are being planned for a global release in 2027, and Duncombe was intricately involved in all elements of the production, from financing to publicity.

"Linda was a source of light — always smiling, laughing, gossiping (she told her friends, 'There's never any gossip between us, love') and someone who adored Hollywood to the core," says Ramin Sotoudeh, a close friend, president and co-editor of Variety. Growing up as a young girl in Australia, she dreamed of making her way in the film industry. In the past few years, he finally found his calling as a producer, which made him shine even more. This is a devastating loss and I will miss Linda very much."

Duncombe began his decades-long banking career at Citibank Australia in 2010 as director of digital and customer experience marketing, rising to managing director, head of growth and chief marketing officer. Five years later, he moved to New York as a founding member of the company's subsidiary, Citi Fintech.

He joined City National Bank in Los Angeles in early 2019 and has established business, sponsorship and community relationships with organizations such as the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the Recording Academy, the Motion Picture Television Fund and the Tribeca Film Festival. During the pandemic, he led efforts at National City Bank to provide more than $1.8 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans to support the entertainment industry.

At City National Bank, he's become fast friends with Variety staffers as they struggle to keep Broadway magazine's annual breakfast alive during Covid. Over the years, the event has attracted everyone from Lin-Manuel Miranda to Rachel Zeigler.

"Linda was a client of mine at first, but she quickly became a very good friend of mine and always included me in her gatherings," said Dee Lawrence, Variety's publisher and co-president. "A true warrior woman who understood the importance of shared experiences and letting go with that unforgettable, infectious laugh. She was fiercely loyal, infinitely generous, and embraced life with so much passion and heart. It's hard to understand that her bright light has been extinguished."

Duncom's friends remember her sunny spirit, boisterous and infectious laugh, unbridled optimism and eagerness for new experiences. He took pride in mentoring younger generations and was deeply loyal to those in his orbit. Duncom's inner circle included his producing partner and best friend Josh Friedman, who was always by his side at industry events.

"Losing Linda will change a lot of people's lives," said Friedman, whom Duncom affectionately called his little brother. He made life very easy in managing many things but remained the most humble, kind and generous person. The emojis next to her name on my phone were a princess, a heart, and a unicorn. He was a unicorn to many people in this life."

MPTF President and CEO Bob Beecher added, “Linda was a gift to all who knew her. She was vital, fun, smart, caring and compassionate, and always, always there to help you and lift you up. "He is irreplaceable as a friend and advisor, and his passing dims the light for me and the MPTF."

Duncom was featured in Variety's "Hollywood's Most Powerful Women" list and was honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia by the Governor-General of Australia. He served on several boards, including the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the Grammy Museum, Habitat for Humanity Greater L.A., and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

After leaving Australia, Duncombe was proud of the success he had achieved during his decade living in the United States.

"As a 9-year-old, I told my parents that I wanted to live in New York when I grew up. My parents didn't hesitate to support a shy young girl's big dreams, she told Beauty Is magazine in 2025. We lived in public housing and while we had no money, our family and home was full of love, support and laughter.

As a child, she was inspired by the Wonder Woman TV series starring Lynda Carter, and her parents taught her that treating people with kindness and respect made her unstoppable. He said: Now I am a woman who has worked hard. "I do my best to share my learnings, experiences and networks to help people follow their dreams and live their best lives."

He is survived by his mother, Doreen Thompson, and nephews, Shannon, Damien and Jared.