J. Michael Cline, a 64-year-old entrepreneur and philanthropist, tragically ended his life by jumping from the 20th floor of the Kimberly Hotel in Midtown, Manhattan, earlier this week. Cline, who was a co-founder of the movie ticket company Fandango, was also known for his advocacy for tiger conservation.
Cline, a resident of Greenwich, Connecticut, and father of six, was found in a third-floor courtyard of the hotel on Tuesday morning, according to law enforcement officials. Prior to his death, Cline had left what appeared to be a suicide note, the contents of which were not immediately disclosed.
The news of Cline’s death came as a shock to those who knew him, occurring just days after he underwent gallbladder surgery. Cline was a successful businessman, owning multimillion-dollar properties in the Hamptons and Palm Beach, Florida. In December 2020, he and his wife purchased a sprawling lakefront property in Palm Beach for $20.75 million.
Despite having severed ties with Fandango, Cline’s entrepreneurial spirit remained undiminished. However, the company has faced challenges due to a decrease in movie theater attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to shift towards streaming services were made, but the parent company, NBC-Universal, reported a 40.8% drop in profits in the category representing Fandango in 2020.
Cline, a Cornell University graduate with an MBA from Harvard University, was known for his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. He was often described as a “serial entrepreneur” who encouraged students to dream big and to work with trustworthy individuals.
In addition to his business ventures, Cline was also deeply involved in wildlife conservation. He served as the chairman of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, contributing to preservation efforts for animals worldwide. He was also the executive chairman of Juxtapose, a company that funds startups focusing on consumer-oriented firms.
Cline’s entrepreneurial portfolio was diverse, including the tech solutions firm R1 RCM, small business insurance firm Insureon, and education solutions company Everspring. He married his wife, Pamela, in 1995.