Jerry Katzman, television executive, dies aged 89
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
Jerry Katzman, a former William Morris president and influential television packager behind hits including "Roseanne," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "The Cosby Show" and "Murphy Brown," has died aged 89. He rose through the agency from business affairs to become head of worldwide television and later president and vice chairman, playing a significant role in shaping the modern television landscape during his career.
Katzman died on 9 August after living with Parkinson's disease for several years. Born on 21 April 1937 in Los Angeles, he was also president of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society and later taught at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television; earlier in his career he worked with his father on film productions including two Elvis Presley pictures. He was married to Carol Sinn for 66 years and is survived by her, their three children, seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild, with a funeral service scheduled for 13 August in Los Angeles.
- Former William Morris president Jerry Katzman has died aged 89
- Packaged TV hits including "Roseanne" and "The Cosby Show"
- Died 9 August after battling Parkinson's; survived by wife and family
New here? Start with this
Jerry Katzman was a major behind-the-scenes figure in American television, not an on-screen name. As a talent agent at William Morris, one of Hollywood's biggest agencies, he worked his way up from business affairs to become head of worldwide television and eventually the agency's president and vice chairman. In that role he was known for "packaging" shows, meaning he brought together writers, actors and networks to create hit series, including several of the biggest sitcoms of their era.
Among the programmes linked to his work are Roseanne, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Cosby Show and Murphy Brown, all landmark comedies that shaped American television from the 1980s onwards. His career also extended beyond agency work: he later taught at UCLA's film and television school and served as president of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society, an industry body for broadcasting professionals.
Katzman's death, after several years living with Parkinson's disease, marks the passing of someone who helped define how modern television deals and shows come together, even though his name was rarely known outside the industry itself.
More coverage
- The Hollywood Reporter — Jerry Katzman, Former William Morris President, Dies at 89
- Deadline — Jerry Katzman Dies: Former WMA President Was 89
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Variety as “Jerry Katzman, Former William Morris President, Dies at 89”.