One of the most influential Hollywood producers who has succeeded in combining serious, ambitious projects with commercial success. Former newsman, press agent, literary agent and high-powered talent agent, Stark co-founded the Seven Arts Production Company, specializing in made-for-TV-movies, with film executive Eliot Hyman in 1957.

He produced his first independent feature in 1960 and, with the formation of Rastar Productions in 1966, embarked on a highly successful career as an independent producer beginning with "Funny Girl" (1968), the first of his many popular Barbra Streisand vehicles. Stark has also enjoyed multi-film collaborations with Neil Simon, Jackie Gleason, John Huston, Herbert Ross and Sydney Pollack. Married to Fanny Brice's daughter, Frances, until her death in 1992.