Legendary Talent Agent Jerry Katzman Passes Away at 89
Jerry Katzman, the television-packaging pioneer, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles from Parkinson's disease, a family spokesperson announced. He was 89.
A Pioneering Career in Television
Katzman joined William Morris Agency (WMA) in 1972 and rose from business affairs to become head of worldwide television. In this role, he assembled creative talent and key elements of TV series, including The Cosby Show, Roseanne, Murphy Brown, Murder, She Wrote, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His clients included Burt Reynolds, Angela Lansbury, and Shelley Long.
A Family Legacy in Hollywood
Katzman was born in Los Angeles on April 21, 1937, to a family with a long history in the entertainment industry. His father, Sam Katzman, was a producer with credits including the Elvis Presley films Kissin' Cousins (1964) and Harum Scarum (1965), as well as the Roy Orbison-starring The Fastest Guitar Alive (1967). Katzman's mother was actress Hortense Petra.
A Lasting Impact on the Industry
Katzman graduated from Hawthorne Elementary, Beverly Hills High School, UC Berkeley, and UCLA Law School. After practicing law briefly, he worked alongside his father in the movies before embarking on his agency career. He was named agency president in 1991 and then vice chairman in 1997 before he left in 2002. Katzman then joined the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television as a member of the faculty in its Producers Program and served as a consultant for such companies as Anonymous Content.
A Life of Friendship and Leadership
"Known throughout Hollywood as a trusted advisor and mentor, Katzman maintained friendships spanning decades from elementary school and college through his professional and retirement years," his family noted. "He was a fearless leader, firm and decisive in his actions, who faced challenging decisions with great thoughtfulness." Katzman's family includes his wife of 66 years, Carol; their children Jeff, Jon, and Kari; grandchildren Jackie, William, Neil, Josh, Jenna, Roland, and Audrey; and great-granddaughter Naomi Juliette.
Remembering Jerry Katzman
The entertainment industry will remember Katzman for his contributions to the development of television packaging and his leadership at William Morris Agency. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of talent agents and producers. As his family noted, Katzman's friendships and leadership will be remembered for years to come. Donations in his memory can be made to the UCLA Parkinson's Center, Jewish Federation Los Angeles, and/or the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors.
Source: Hollywood Reporter