• Biography

Early Life

Brandon Tartikoff was born on January 13, 1949 in Freeport, New York. He was the son of a television executive, and his family moved to Los Angeles when he was a young boy. He attended Beverly Hills High School, where he was an active member of the student council and the debate team. After graduating, he attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a degree in English.

Career

After college, Tartikoff began his career in television as a page at NBC in Burbank, California. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a programming executive at the age of 25. He was responsible for developing some of the most successful shows of the 1980s, including The Cosby Show, Cheers, and Hill Street Blues. He also helped launch the careers of many actors, including Michael J. Fox and George Clooney.

In 1991, Tartikoff was named president of NBC Entertainment. During his tenure, he was responsible for the network's resurgence in the ratings, with shows such as Seinfeld, Friends, and ER. He also oversaw the launch of the network's first late-night talk show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Legacy

Tartikoff was widely respected in the television industry for his creative vision and his ability to spot talent. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1996, and in 1997 he was awarded the prestigious Peabody Award for his contributions to television.

In 2004, Tartikoff died of Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 54. He left behind a legacy of successful television shows and a generation of actors and writers who owe their careers to him. His influence on the television industry is still felt today, and he is remembered as one of the most influential figures in television history.

Date modified: Apr 3, 2023
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