Veteran TV Agent Jerry Katzman Passes Away at Age 89

Jerry Katzman, a key figure in television packaging who headed William Morris Agency during the 1990s, died on Sunday at his Los Angeles residence after battling Parkinson’s disease, a family spokesperson said. Joining the agency in 1972, he rose from business affairs to run worldwide television, assembling talent and elements for hit shows including The Cosby Show, Roseanne, Murphy Brown, Murder, She Wrote and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and representing clients such as Burt Reynolds, Angela Lansbury and Shelley Long.

Named agency president in 1991 and later vice chairman in 1997, he departed in 2002 to join UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television as a faculty member in its Producers Program and to advise firms like Anonymous Content. His industry service also included a term as president of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society. Survived by his wife of 66 years, Carol, their children Jeff, Jon and Kari, numerous grandchildren and great-granddaughter Naomi Juliette, he is remembered as a trusted mentor and decisive leader. Memorial contributions may be directed to the UCLA Parkinson’s Center, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles or the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors.