Jamie Kellner, a TV government behind the launch of broadcast networks Fox and The WB, has died. He was 77.
At Fox, Kellner developed The Simpsons, Married…With Kids, In Dwelling Coloration, Beverly Hills 90210 and Cops. Whereas at The WB, he developed Dawson’s Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Women and seventh Heaven which he created with Aaron Spelling and Brenda Hampton.
Throughout his time on the Frog Community, Kellner helped launch the careers of Greg Berlanti, JJ Abrams, Kevin Williamson, and Joss Whedon, and comedians like Jamie Foxx, Steve Harvey, and The Wayans Bros.
Berlanti paid tribute to the late government saying, “I don’t suppose there’s one other individual within the historical past of TV that may say they helped begin two new main broadcast networks (Fox and The WB). Jamie Kellner was a titan and a visionary in our business and but he will probably be remembered by anybody fortunate sufficient to work for him as an government or as a showrunner as a heat, humorous, charismatic, artistic and type mentor, buddy, husband and Dad. He devoted his life in TV to fostering and betting on generations of expertise each in entrance of and behind the digicam. I do know I communicate for thus many others once I say my life was modified by the Camelot-esque dwelling he created for all of us who labored at The WB. He will probably be drastically missed.”
Jamie Kellner is acknowledged as some of the modern and profitable tv executives of his period. He retired on the age of 57 after serving as Chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting succeeding Ted Turner. Kellner is credited with reshaping and modernizing CNN to compete towards upstarts Fox and MSNBC in a all of the sudden crowded and aggressive cable information setting, whereas additionally overseeing the maturation of TNT, TBS, TCM, Cartoon Community, TNT Sports activities, the Atlanta Braves, Hawks and NHL Thrashers.
Previous to changing into President of Fox at its launch, Kellner made a serious mark for himself at Orion working for the legendary Arthur Krim, the place he conceived of an modern partnership with Lorne Michaels to purchase the rights to the unique seasons of Saturday Night time Reside. They recut these 90 minute reveals right into a syndicated bundle of 30 minute episodes which turned wildly profitable and worthwhile and introduced the younger government to the eye of Barry Diller and Rupert Murdoch, who then employed Kellner because the community’s first President. Previous to Orion, Kellner had a profitable profession at Viacom.
Retiring on the age of 57, Kellner turned down a number of provides to return to work in high company positions with completely no regrets. As a substitute, Kellner determined to depart the leisure world behind him and pursue his bucket listing passions together with crusing world wide on his ketch known as “Irishman,” enjoying numerous rounds of golf on the world’s most picturesque programs and launching a vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, Cent’Anni. He beloved entertaining and being the chef for household and associates, specializing in Italian delicacies to match the origin of his beloved Italian grapes that had been the premise for Cent’Anni. Kellner additionally beloved structure, designing and constructing quite a few houses, telling shaggy canine tales and speaking politics.
He’s survived by his spouse of 38 years, Julie, daughter Melissa, son Christopher, and three grandchildren Jake, Scarlett and Oliver.
In lieu of donations, the household asks that you simply open an awesome bottle of wine in his honor.
