Jim Green, the renowned producer behind the classic horror flick 'Stephen King's It,' passed away on August 9 at the age of 83 in Santa Barbara, following a long illness. His wife of 59 years, singer Cathy Cole Green, a member of The King Family, announced his death.
A Legacy in Television
Green's illustrious career in television spanned over four decades, during which he developed and produced nearly 200 made-for-TV movies, including the ABC Movie of the Week franchise. This groundbreaking series, launched under then-development head Barry Diller, transformed the once-struggling network's primetime lineup and catapulted Green to prominence in the industry.
As a programming executive at ABC, Green played a pivotal role in launching the careers of several iconic television shows, including 'The Six Million Dollar Man,' 'The Night Stalker,' 'Starsky & Hutch,' and 'The Love Boat.' His work on 'Duel,' Steven Spielberg's feature-length directorial debut, further cemented his reputation as a visionary producer.
A Producer of Substance
Green's commitment to producing high-quality, socially relevant content earned him an Emmy nomination for 'Fallen Angel,' a 1981 telefilm that tackled the sensitive issue of child pornography. This landmark production, one of the first to address this topic, received widespread acclaim and marked a turning point in Green's career.
In the 1980s, Green partnered with producer Mark Bacino to form Green/Epstein Productions, which went on to produce a string of critically acclaimed miniseries, including 'Deadly Intentions' and 'And the Sea Will Tell.' Their adaptation of Stephen King's 'It' in 1990, starring Richard Thomas and Tim Curry, remains a fan favorite to this day.
A Producer with a Heart
Bacino, Green's producing partner for over four decades, remembered him as a leader who "led with compassion, discipline, vision, and a genuine sense of fun." Green's approach to producing was characterized by his emphasis on mentorship, generosity, and giving people the opportunity to grow.
Under Green's guidance, his company produced a range of films that tackled complex social issues, including prostitution, child adoption, and the experiences of female cadets at the U.S. Military Academy. His commitment to telling meaningful stories and bringing them to the screen has left a lasting legacy in the world of television.
A Final Farewell
As news of Green's passing spreads, the television community is coming together to pay tribute to his remarkable career. His work continues to inspire a new generation of producers and writers, and his impact on the industry will be felt for years to come.
In the words of his wife, Cathy Cole Green, Jim's passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the stories he brought to the screen.
Source: Hollywood Reporter