![Jay Hart celebrating at the Oscars](https://www.purdueforlife.org/app/uploads/Jay-Hart_color-edit.jpg)
- Impact
Reluctant Hollywood hero takes unconventional journey to the red carpet
Jay Hart (HHS’80) has reached the pinnacle of success in the film industry, but his is not a typical Hollywood story. Hart is what screenwriters would call a reluctant hero. Hesitant at first to even go into the movie business, Hart ultimately overcame his reservations to build a successful career as a Hollywood set decorator—and win an Academy Award.