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…