Died Today: Legendary TV Producer Grant Tinker (1925–2016)

Grant Tinker (1925–2016)

Born: January 11, 1925 in Stamford, Connecticut, USA
Died: November 29, 2016 (age 91)

Married to:
Mary Tyler Moore (1 June 1962 – 11 June 1982) (divorced)
Ruth Prince Byerly (4 March 1950 – 1962) (divorced) (4 children)

He was 90. In 1969, Tinker and his then-wife, actress Mary Tyler Moore, launched MTM Enterprises. The company became an indie powerhouse, producing such popular series as the ground-breaking The Mary Tyler Moore Show, starring Moore, Rhoda, The Bob Newhart Show, Wkrp in Cincinnati, Hill Street Blues and St. Elsewhere. In 1981, Tinker left to become chairman and CEO of then-last-place network NBC. There, guided by his famous motto “First be best, then be first,” Tinker, with Brandon Tartikoff as his entertainment president, spearheaded a ratings turnaround as NBC rose from last to first place on the strength of a slew of hit and acclaimed new series, including The Cosby Show, Family Ties, The Golden Girls, Cheers, Night Court, and Hill Street Blues. Tinker left NBC in 1986, following its acquisition by General Electric.

“My father set the bar high both as a television executive and a father,” said Mark Tinker, executive producer on NBC’s Chicago PD. “I never heard anyone speak of him with anything other than respect and admiration. I’m proud to be his son and especially proud of the legacy he leaves behind in business and as a gentleman.”

Watch Grant Tinker Interview:

SUBMIT your TV PILOT or TV SPEC Script Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.

SUBMIT your SHORT Film Get it showcased at the FEEDBACK Festival

1st CHAPTER or FULL NOVEL CONTEST Get full feedback! Winners get their novel made into a video!

SUBMIT your FEATURE Script FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed