Television Producer. Born in La Salle, Illinois, he was know as the champion of CBS Television sitcoms, (1959-65). His many noted productions included “The Twilight Zone”, “Route 66”, “The Beverly Hillbillies”, “Mister Ed”, “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Defenders”. In 1969, he took on the job of production manager at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer where he oversaw the dismantling of the company and selling off the back-lot acreage in Culver City. He also managed the distribution offices, 40 years of props and costumes, while turning out a string of low-budget flop pictures, before leaving MGM in 1973. He worked as an independent producer until his death from a heart attack at age 75 in Los Angeles, California. (bio by: John “J-Cat” Griffith)  Family links:  Spouse:  Phyllis Thaxter (1919 – 2012)* *Calculated relationshipCause of death: Heart attack