A renowned television producer and production manager behind popular shows like "Dallas" and "Knots Landing", known for shaping the prime-time soap opera genre.
Renowned for his outstanding contribution to the world of television, Lee Rich is best known for producing some of the most beloved and iconic shows of the 1970s and 1980s, including The Waltons, Dallas, and Knots Landing. His creative genius and innovative approach to storytelling earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for The Waltons in 1973.
Born on December 19, 1918, in Cleveland, Ohio, Lee Rich was the son of Morris Richtaller and Anna Neminsky, both of Jewish descent. His mother, born in Tetiev, Ukraine, instilled in him the importance of education, which led him to earn a marketing degree from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
Rich's journey in the entertainment industry began in advertising, where he rose to senior vice president and member of the board at Benton & Bowles. His experience in the ad industry proved valuable when he transitioned to television production, working with notable shows such as The Andy Griffith Show, Make Room for Daddy, and The Dick Van Dyke Show.
In 1965, Rich partnered with the Mirisch Co. to form Mirisch-Rich Productions, producing The Rat Patrol. Four years later, he co-founded Lorimar Productions with Merv Adelson and Irwin Molasky, which went on to produce some of the most popular shows of the time, including The Waltons, Dallas, and Knots Landing.
Lee Rich's work on The Waltons earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 1973. His productions also received numerous nominations, including five Emmy nominations for Dallas and Knots Landing.
Rich's innovative approach to storytelling and production played a significant role in shaping the landscape of television in the 1970s and 1980s. His work on Dallas, in particular, revolutionized the primetime soap opera genre, captivating audiences with its dramatic plot twists and cliffhangers. The show's infamous "Who shot J.R.?" storyline, where only Rich and writer-director Leonard Katzman knew the identity of the shooter, kept viewers on the edge of their seats for months.
Lee Rich passed away on May 24, 2012, but his legacy lives on through the iconic TV shows he produced. His contributions to the entertainment industry continue to inspire new generations of producers, writers, and directors. Rich's impact on television is a testament to his innovative spirit and creative vision, which will be remembered for years to come.
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