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Dixon Dern Dies: Attorney For CAA, CBS, TV Academy & Desilu, Was 97
Dixon Q. Dern, a veteran entertainment attorney who spent decades at the heart of Hollywood dealmaking, has died aged 97. He worked in-house for United Artists Television, Desilu and CBS before founding his own firm, later representing clients including Desi Arnaz, the Television Academy, Village Roadshow and the Bob Hope Estate; he also helped incorporate Creative Artists Agency (CAA) after its five founders left William Morris in the mid-1970s.
Dern died on 19 July, according to an obituary posted by Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. Beyond his corporate and talent work, he frequently arbitrated labour disputes under DGA and WGA agreements, and played a central role in resolving a bitter 1970s split between the Los Angeles and New York chapters of the Television Academy, which ultimately saw the two bodies divide control of the Emmy Awards. He was also a former president of the Beverly Hills Bar Association and a noted early figure in TV syndication and pre-financing.
In short
- Entertainment attorney Dixon Dern has died at 97.
- He helped incorporate CAA and advised the Television Academy for decades.
- Formerly counsel at CBS, Desilu and United Artists Television.
Explained simply
Dixon Q. Dern was an entertainment lawyer whose work spanned television companies, performers and industry organisations. He held legal roles at United Artists Television, Desilu and CBS before setting up his own firm, and later advised clients including Desi Arnaz, the Television Academy and the Bob Hope Estate.
Dern also helped establish Creative Artists Agency after its founders left William Morris in the 1970s. The Television Academy, which oversees the Emmy Awards, relied on him in a dispute between its Los Angeles and New York chapters over how the awards should be controlled; the resolution divided that control between them.
His career touched several parts of the television business, including syndication, labour agreements and financing for programmes. He also served as president of the Beverly Hills Bar Association, a professional organisation for lawyers.