Former advertising executive who resigned as senior vice president of Benton & Bowles in 1965 to become a producer for Mirisch-Rich TV which created the series, "Rat Patrol and "Hey, Landlord" (1966-67). After returning to advertising at the Leo Burnett Agency, Rich left to form Lorimar Productions serving as executive producer on the company's successful series: "The Waltons" (CBS, 1972-81), "Eight is Enough" (ABC, 1977-81), "Dallas" (CBS, 1978-91), "Knots Landing" (CBS, 1979-91) as well as numerous TV movies including "The Homecoming" (his first of many projects with Waltons' creator Earl Hamner) and the Emmy-winning "Sybil" (NBC, 1976). President of Lorimar until 1986, he left to join MGM/UA Communications as chairman and CEO, resigning in 1988 to return to independent production. Rich's most successful recent producing venture has been the fairly standard but enjoyable vigorous Wesley Snipes actioner, "Passenger 57" (1992).
- Born:
December 10, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA
-
Job Titles:
Executive, Producer, Advertising executive
Family
-
Daughter: Blair Rich. born c. March, 1975; mother Angela Solecito
-
Daughter: Jessica Rich. mother, Rich s first wife
-
Daughter: Miranda Rich. mother, Rich s first wife
Significant Others
Education
Milestones
-
1966 Executive produced first TV series, Hey, Landlord
-
1971 Produced first feature, The Sporting Club
-
1971 Served as executive producer on first TV movies, The Homecoming for Lorimar and Do Not Fold, Spindle or Mutilate for Lee Rich Productions
-
1978 First film as executive producer, Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?
-
1988 Signed three-year deal with Warner Bros., Setting up Lee Rich Productions there (date approximate)
-
Became president and co-owner of Lorimar Productions, Culver City CA
-
Began career as advertising executive
-
Joined Leo Burnett Agency
-
Named chairman and CEO, MGM/UA Communications Company
-
Resigned as senior TV vice president with Benton & Bowles to become president, Mirisch Rich TV