Remembering Harris Katleman: A Television Industry Icon's Legacy
Harris Katleman, a prominent figure in the television industry, passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 97. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Katleman moved to Beverly Hills at a young age. He began his career at MCA, where he worked closely with Lew Wasserman and represented talent such as Jackie Gleason and John Michael Hayes. Later, he joined Goodson-Todman Productions, overseeing the creation of several successful network series and films.
In 1972, Katleman became the president of MGM Television, where he played a key role in developing projects like the CBS telefilm "Babe" and TV shows like "How the West Was Won" and "CHiPs." He later founded Bennett Katleman Productions and worked on projects such as the NBC miniseries "From Here to Eternity" and the ABC series "Salvage 1." In 1980, he was appointed as the president and CEO of Fox Television, where he oversaw the production of popular shows like "L.A. Law," "The Simpsons," and "NYPD Blue."
Throughout his career, Katleman was involved in various industry organizations and served on the boards of several prestigious institutions. He also authored a memoir titled "You Can’t Fall Off the Floor: And Other Lessons From a Life in Hollywood," which was published in 2018. Katleman is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Noel. His family remembers him as a resilient businessman who never gave up, regardless of the challenges he faced.