Lee Rich

Lee Rich (December 10, 1918 – May 25, 2012) was an American independent film and television producer. He was a key figure in the development of the television movie and miniseries formats.

Rich began his career in advertising, eventually founding his own agency, named after him. He transitioned into television production in the late 1960s, initially at Leo Burnett Productions.

In 1969, he joined Lorimar Productions, becoming President and later Chairman and CEO. At Lorimar, he oversaw the production of numerous successful television series including The Waltons, Dallas, Eight Is Enough, and Knots Landing. These shows were known for their broad appeal and often explored family dynamics and social issues.

After leaving Lorimar, Rich formed Lee Rich Productions. He continued to produce television series and movies, including the Oscar-winning film Driving Miss Daisy (1989), which he co-produced.

Rich was known for his business acumen and his ability to identify and develop popular television programming. He played a significant role in shaping the television landscape during his career. He received several accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.