06-24-2006, 01:22 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Junkie
Moderator Emeritus
Location: Chicago
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Aaron Spelling dead at 83
Aaron Spelling: TV producer dies at 83
Quote:
BY BOB THOMAS
Aaron Spelling produced 3,000-plus TV shows.
LOS ANGELES -- Aaron Spelling, who created a massive number of hit series, from the vintage "Charlie's Angels" and "Dynasty" to "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Melrose Place," died Friday. He was 83.
Spelling died at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke June 18, publicist Kevin Sasaki said.
Spelling's other hit series included "Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," "Burke's Law," "The Mod Squad," "Starsky and Hutch," "T.J. Hooker," "Matt Houston," "Hart to Hart" and "Hotel." He kept his hand in 21st Century TV with the series "7th Heaven" and "Summerland."
He also produced more than 140 television movies.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Spelling provided series and movies exclusively for ABC and is credited for the network's rise to major status.
Spelling had arrived in Hollywood virtually penniless in the early 1950s. By the 1980s, Forbes magazine estimated his wealth at $300 million.
Spelling enlisted in the Army Air Corps after graduating from high school in 1942.
After abandoning acting for the typewriter, he married a young actress, Carolyn Jones. She became well-known as Morticia in the 1960s series "The Addams Family." They divorced after 13 years, and she died of cancer in 1983.
After ABC cancelled "Dynasty" in 1989 and his exclusive contract with the network had ended, Spelling found himself without a show on the air for the first time since 1960.
"I was so depressed, I would have quit, but I like TV too much," Spelling wrote in his memoir. Besides, his company had started issuing stock in 1986, and he had an obligation to investors.
After a year's respite, he returned with "Beverly Hills 90210," which helped launch the fledgling Fox Network into the big time. "Melrose Place" gave Fox another hit.
Spelling and his second wife, Candy, had two children, Tori (for Victoria), who became a star on the two Fox serials, and Randy, who appeared in the short-lived "Malibu Shores."
Spelling set a record of producing more than 3,000 TV shows. He also produced 10 theatrical movies, including "California Split," "Mr. Mom." "'Night, Mother," "Loose Cannons" and "Soapdish."
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I worked for a division of Spelling Entertainment years back, and met the man on at least one occassion... He was a very interesting person, he paid attention when he talked to you... Kinda rare in people I encounter.
Anyone who grew up with television in the 70s and 80s has been entertained by his work, and probably made fun of it as well... (as well as his talentless daughter 
I doubt there will ever be a person with his talent again...
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