NBC Legend Grant Tinker Dead at 90
GRANT TINKER
The legendary TV executive passed away Nov. 28 at the age of 90. Tinker was chairman of NBC in the early '80s, revitalizing the network with hits like The Cosby Show, Cheers and Family Ties. He was also a producer of classic TV shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show (starring Tinker's then-wife, Mary Tyler Moore), Hill Street Blues and The Bob Newhart Show.Another TV legend has passed on: Grant Tinker, former chairman of NBC, died on Monday at his California estate. He was 90.
Tinker served as CEO of the Peacock Network from 1981 through 1986, helping NBC escape last place by developing classics such as Cheers, Family Ties and The Cosby Show. With onetime wife Mary Tyler Moore, he also formed production shingle MTM Enterprises, which produced the likes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show (and its spinoff Rhoda), The Bob Newhart Show, WKRP in Cincinnati, St. Elsewhere and Hill Street Blues. He would eventually be inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1997.
“Grant Tinker was a great man who made an indelible mark on NBC and the history of television that continues to this day,” CEO of NBCUniversal Steve Burke said in a statement. “He loved creative people and protected them, while still expertly managing the business. Very few people have been able to achieve such a balance. We try to live up to the standards he set each and every day. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”
Today show anchor Matt Lauer announced Tinker’s passing on Wednesday’s broadcast (embedded below). A cause of death has not been reported.
WATCH: Sad news this morning about former NBC family member #GrantTinker, who passed away on Monday at age 90 https://t.co/yYbWDvAkta
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 30, 2016
He and Norman Lear shaped my viewing habits through the ’70s and “80s, and cultivated my love of television with their dedication to quality work. He lived a nice, long life, but that doesn’t diminish how sad this news makes me today. (meow)
Agreed.
The same.
RIP, Mr. Tinker and thanks for the years of great TV. (Meow)
Meow,,,,R IP