Key Takeaways
- Bart Story, a veteran entertainment research executive, has passed away at the age of 63 due to complications related to metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
- Story spent over three decades helping studios and streamers understand their audiences, serving as Senior Director at MarketCast since 2003.
- He worked with various notable organizations, including SAG-AFTRA and the Video Software Dealers Association, to shape the home video industry.
- Story was a graduate of USC’s Annenberg School and Cal Poly Pomona, and began his career working in movie theaters, which instilled in him a love of storytelling and empathy for audiences.
- He is survived by his husband, Patrick Jager, and their son, Brandt, and will be remembered for his thoughtful and gentle approach to his work.
Introduction to Bart Story’s Life and Career
Bart Story, a renowned entertainment research executive, has left an indelible mark on the industry with his passing on December 23, 2025, at the age of 63. His death was a result of complications related to metastatic urothelial carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the urinary system. Story’s legacy, however, will live on through his remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment, where he spent over three decades helping studios and streamers better understand their audiences. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Story’s impact on the industry is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for storytelling.
Bart Story’s Career and Achievements
Story’s professional journey began in the 1980s, when he started working in movie theaters. This humble beginning instilled in him a deep understanding of audiences and a love for storytelling, which would later become the foundation of his successful career. He went on to graduate from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, equipping himself with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the entertainment industry. As a research executive, Story worked with various notable organizations, including SAG-AFTRA and the Video Software Dealers Association, where he played a crucial role in shaping the home video industry into the thriving sector it is today. Since 2003, he served as Senior Director at MarketCast, a leading research and analytics firm, where he guided creative testing and audience engagement for global entertainment brands.
Tributes and Legacy
Story’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from his colleagues and industry peers, who remember him for his thoughtful and gentle approach to his work. Jeremy Radisich, President of Entertainment at MarketCast, honored Story’s memory, saying, "Across his two-decade career with MarketCast, Bart helped hundreds of movies achieve success, meaningfully connecting with thousands of clients, focus group respondents, and teammates along the way. His work was characterized by a thoughtful and gentle approach that made him not only an excellent collaborator and partner, but an incredible person who made an impact on everyone he met." Story’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements, as he is remembered by his loved ones for his kindness, empathy, and love of storytelling. He is survived by his husband, Patrick Jager, and their son, Brandt, who will undoubtedly carry on his memory and continue to inspire others through their own pursuits.
Conclusion and Reflection
Bart Story’s passing serves as a reminder of the significant impact one person can have on an industry. Through his tireless efforts to understand audiences and shape marketing strategies for some of Hollywood’s biggest films and television series, Story left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His love of storytelling, empathy for audiences, and gentle approach to his work have inspired countless individuals, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entertainment professionals. As the industry mourns the loss of this remarkable individual, it is clear that Bart Story’s memory will live on through the countless lives he touched and the lasting impact he had on the world of entertainment.