Aaron Spelling

Aaron Spelling
Monica Almeida, Los Angeles Times · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	Aaron Spelling
Birth date	April 22, 1923
Birth place	Dallas, Texas, United States
Death date	June 23, 2006
Death place	Los Angeles, California, United States
Occupation	Television and film producer
Years active	1940s-2006
Spouse	Carolyn Jones (1953-1964), Candy Spelling (1968-2006)
Children	Tori Spelling, Randy Spelling

Aaron Spelling was a renowned American television and film producer, best known for creating popular shows such as Beverly Hills, 90210, Charlie's Angels, and Dynasty. He worked with notable actors like Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith on Charlie's Angels, and with Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, and Shannen Doherty on Beverly Hills, 90210. Spelling's productions often featured Heather Locklear, Alyssa Milano, and Hilary Swank, and were frequently broadcast on ABC, CBS, and NBC. His work also involved collaborations with Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros..

● Early Life and Career

Aaron Spelling was born in Dallas, Texas, to a family of Jewish immigrants from Poland. He grew up in a poor household with his parents, David Spelling and Pearl Spelling, and siblings, Sam Spelling and Daniel Spelling. Spelling attended Forest Avenue High School and later served in the United States Army during World War II, where he was stationed in France and Germany. After the war, he moved to Los Angeles, California, and began his career in the entertainment industry as a writer for Dick Powell's Four Star Productions. Spelling worked on shows like The Lineup and Zane Grey Theater, and collaborated with Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball on Desilu Productions.

● Filmography

Spelling's film career included productions such as The Mod Squad (1999), Satan's School for Girls (1973), and Mr. Mom (1983), which starred Michael Keaton and Teri Garr. He also produced 'Night, Mother (1986), featuring Sissy Spacek and Anne Bancroft, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993), starring Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher. Spelling's company, Spelling Entertainment, was involved in the production of The Love Boat and Fantasy Island, which were broadcast on ABC and featured Gavin MacLeod and Ricardo Montalban. His films often premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival.

● Television Productions

Spelling's television productions were incredibly successful, with shows like The Rookies (1972), S.W.A.T. (1975), and Starsky & Hutch (1975) becoming household names. He worked with Leonard Goldberg on Fantasy Island and The Love Boat, and with Douglas S. Cramer on Dynasty and Knots Landing. Spelling's company produced Hotel (1983), starring James Brolin and Connie Sellecca, and T.J. Hooker (1982), featuring William Shatner and Heather Locklear. His shows often aired on CBS, NBC, and ABC, and were frequently nominated for Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

● Personal Life

Spelling was married to Carolyn Jones from 1953 to 1964, and later married Candy Spelling in 1968, with whom he had two children, Tori Spelling and Randy Spelling. He was a close friend of Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra, and often attended events at the Hollywood Bowl and Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Spelling was also involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1996.

● Awards and Legacy

Throughout his career, Spelling won numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. He was nominated for Producers Guild of America Awards and People's Choice Awards, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Producers Guild of America. Spelling's legacy continues to be felt in the entertainment industry, with his productions remaining popular in syndication and his influence evident in the work of Ryan Murphy, Shonda Rhimes, and J.J. Abrams. His company, Spelling Entertainment, was acquired by Viacom in 1999, and his productions continue to air on CBS, NBC, and ABC.

● Death and Tributes

Spelling passed away on June 23, 2006, at the age of 83, due to complications from a stroke. He was remembered by the entertainment industry, with tributes from ABC, CBS, and NBC, as well as from actors like Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith. Spelling's funeral was attended by Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Desi Arnaz Jr., among others. He was buried at the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through his numerous productions and contributions to the entertainment industry. Category:American television producers