Merv Adelson

Merv Adelson was a prominent American television producer and media executive who co-founded the influential production company Lorimar Productions. He played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of American television from the 1970s through the 1990s, overseeing the creation of iconic series that became cultural touchstones. His business acumen extended beyond production into significant corporate mergers within the entertainment industry. Adelson's high-profile personal life, including his marriages to journalist Barbara Walters, also kept him in the public eye.

Early Life

Merv Adelson was born on October 23, 1929, in Los Angeles, the son of a successful real estate developer. He attended UCLA but left before graduating to join the family business, gaining early experience in property management and construction. This foundation in commerce and development provided him with the financial savvy and deal-making skills that would later define his career in Hollywood. His entry into the entertainment world was facilitated through connections made in the Los Angeles business community.

Career

Adelson's entertainment career began in earnest when he partnered with Lee Rich to form Lorimar Productions in 1969, named by combining their wives' first names, Lori and Mary. The company quickly became a powerhouse in television, producing a string of massively successful series including The Waltons, Dallas, Knots Landing, and Eight Is Enough. Under his leadership as CEO, Lorimar expanded into feature films, producing works like Being There and An Officer and a Gentleman. In a major corporate move, Adelson engineered the sale of Lorimar to Warner Communications in 1989, which later became part of Warner Bros.. He subsequently served on the board of Time Warner and was involved with the Las Vegas hotel-casino The Venetian.

Personal Life

Adelson's personal life was often covered by the gossip columns, most notably for his two marriages to famed ABC News anchor Barbara Walters; they were first married from 1981 to 1984 and again from 1986 to 1992. His first marriage was to actress Lorraine Gary, with whom he had two children. He was a prominent figure in Los Angeles and Las Vegas social circles and was known for his philanthropy, particularly supporting medical research. Adelson battled health issues in his later years and passed away from cancer on September 8, 2015, in Las Vegas.

Filmography

As a producer or executive producer, Merv Adelson was associated with numerous television projects through Lorimar Productions. Key series include the long-running CBS drama Dallas, its spin-off Knots Landing, the beloved family drama The Waltons, and the sitcom Eight Is Enough. His company also produced the groundbreaking miniseries The Blue Knight and the syndicated hit Falcon Crest. In film, Lorimar produced the critically acclaimed Being There starring Peter Sellers and the Oscar-winning An Officer and a Gentleman with Richard Gere.

Awards and Recognition

While Adelson himself did not frequently receive individual awards, the productions he oversaw garnered immense critical and popular acclaim. Series like The Waltons and Dallas won multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. The film An Officer and a Gentleman won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for several other Oscars. His most significant recognition was his induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1995, honoring his profound impact on the industry.

Category:American television producers Category:American media executives Category:1929 births Category:2015 deaths