Austin Owen Furst Jr., a pioneering entertainment executive who helped shape the home video industry, died on March 25, 2026, at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut. He was 82.
Furst’s family confirmed that the cause of death was complications from heart failure, with loved ones by his side during his final moments, per Legacy.
Furst is best known as the founder of Vestron Video, a company that played a key role in bringing movies into homes during the VHS era. His passing marks the loss of a major figure in entertainment history whose work helped change how audiences watch films.
According to his family, Furst “passed away peacefully… surrounded by his family, following complications of heart failure.”
The longtime executive had remained active in business until just days before his death, continuing to oversee his real estate company from his office in New Canaan.
Born on August 31, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Furst built a life defined by creativity, curiosity and entrepreneurship. He spent decades balancing a successful career with a close-knit family life, sharing 60 years of marriage with his wife, Leslie Fitler Furst.
His death has prompted tributes that highlight not just his business success but also his warmth as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, eight grandchildren and his brother.
Furst’s biggest impact came through Vestron Video, the company he founded in 1981 after Time Inc. exited the movie business. At a time when home video was still new, he saw an opportunity where others did not. Starting with a small team, he built Vestron into a global force in the VHS and Betamax era.
The company distributed the groundbreaking Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller documentary in 1983 and later produced the hit film Dirty Dancing in 1987, according to Deadline. Both projects became cultural landmarks and helped prove that home video could be a powerful part of the entertainment industry.
Before launching Vestron, Furst worked at Procter & Gamble in brand management and later spent 13 years at Time Inc. There, he helped launch People magazine as Circulation Director and played a key role in growing HBO’s early subscriber base as Executive Vice President of Programming.
Outside of work, Furst was also remembered for his sense of humor and adventurous spirit, from organizing boat rides to cooking family meals. Friends and family say he brought joy and energy into every room he entered.
In honor of his life, his family has invited donations to New Canaan EMS and the Chocorua Island Chapel in New Hampshire, places that held special meaning to him.
Related: ‘The Godfather’ Icon Declined His Oscars Award 53 Years Ago
