Aaron Spelling dead at 83 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

maleficent · 06-24-2006, 01:22 PM

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."

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...

Lady Sage · 06-24-2006, 02:43 PM

He should be given a lifetime achievement award. He truely made many peoples lonely nights with (at the time) wholesome programming.

Martian · 06-24-2006, 03:13 PM

Aaron Spelling has died, and Tori's acting career along with him.

In all seriousness, the man is very respectable for turning out so many shows that entertained so many people. A very prodigious career, to say the least. Unlike the den mother here, I can't claim to have ever met the man, but all reports say he was quite amiable.

I'm sure he'll be missed.

Ample · 06-24-2006, 03:22 PM

My highschool years wouldn't have been the same without 90210, Okay maybe that is a little bit of a over statement.

Anyways, thanks Aaron. Sad to see you go.

Cynthetiq · 06-24-2006, 04:11 PM

wow...I didn't realize. I haven't been reading the trade mags for a few days.

He was a much better producer than actor. If you think that Tori is a bad actor.. you should see Aaron's performances.

Fremen · 06-24-2006, 07:00 PM

Sad, sad, sad. He put out some good shows in the 70's and 80's.
And contrary to y'all, I kinda liked him in the few Westerns I saw him in.

RIP, Mr. Spelling.

genuinegirly · 06-24-2006, 08:57 PM

I had no idea he was this old. I suppose this shows how little I have been aware of pop culture. Talent in that he was able to produce shows like 90210 that attracted such a young audience, even at a time when many would choose to retire.

what a long and productive career!

06-24-2006, 03:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	Aaron Spelling has died, and Tori's acting career along with him. In all seriousness, the man is very respectable for turning out so many shows that entertained so many people. A very prodigious career, to say the least. Unlike the den mother here, I can't claim to have ever met the man, but all reports say he was quite amiable. I'm sure he'll be missed. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

06-24-2006, 03:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ample Psycho Location: In your closet	My highschool years wouldn't have been the same without 90210, Okay maybe that is a little bit of a over statement. Anyways, thanks Aaron. Sad to see you go. __________________ Her juju beads are so nice She kissed my third cousin twice Im the king of pomona

06-24-2006, 04:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	wow...I didn't realize. I haven't been reading the trade mags for a few days. He was a much better producer than actor. If you think that Tori is a bad actor.. you should see Aaron's performances. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

06-24-2006, 07:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
Fremen With a mustache, the cool factor would be too much Location: left side of my couch, East Texas	Sad, sad, sad. He put out some good shows in the 70's and 80's. And contrary to y'all, I kinda liked him in the few Westerns I saw him in. RIP, Mr. Spelling. __________________ Google

06-24-2006, 08:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
genuinegirly Eat your vegetables Super Moderator Location: Arabidopsis-ville	I had no idea he was this old. I suppose this shows how little I have been aware of pop culture. Talent in that he was able to produce shows like 90210 that attracted such a young audience, even at a time when many would choose to retire. what a long and productive career! __________________ "Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

06-24-2006, 02:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lady Sage Mistress of Mayhem Location: Canton, Ohio	He should be given a lifetime achievement award. He truely made many peoples lonely nights with (at the time) wholesome programming.