Definition
Leonard Goldberg (March 24 1934 – December 4 2019) was an American television and film producer who also served as chairman of the entertainment division of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
Overview
Goldberg began his career in the 1960s as a production executive at Paramount Television, where he oversaw a number of popular series. In 1979, he became president of ABC Entertainment, a post he held until 1983. During his tenure, the network launched several successful programs, including Charlie's Angels and The Love Boat. After leaving ABC, Goldberg founded his own production company, Leonard Goldberg Productions, which produced a range of television series such as Blue Bloods (2010–present) and The Amazing Race (2001–present, co‑produced). In film, he was credited as producer for titles including WarGames (1983) and The River (1984). Goldberg’s work earned him multiple industry honors, among them the Television Academy’s President’s Award.
Etymology / Origin
The given name Leonard is of Old High German origin, derived from Leonhard (“lion‑hard” or “lion‑brave”). The surname Goldberg is of German and Ashkenazi Jewish origin, composed of the elements gold (“gold”) and berg (“mountain”); it was historically used as a habitational name for someone who lived near or on a “golden mountain” or as an ornamental name adopted by Jewish families in Central Europe.
Characteristics
- Industry Leadership: Held senior executive positions at major broadcast networks, notably ABC Entertainment.
- Production Scope: Involved in both television and feature‑film production, with a portfolio spanning drama, comedy, and reality formats.
- Award Recognition: Recipient of numerous accolades from the Television Academy and other industry bodies for contributions to programming and production innovation.
- Business Ventures: Established and operated an independent production company, expanding his influence beyond network executive roles.
Related Topics
- ABC Television Network
- Television production companies in the United States
- List of television series produced by Leonard Goldberg
- American film producers of the late 20th century
- Television Academy President’s Award
All information presented reflects verified biographical and career data from reputable sources such as industry publications and archival records.