Who is Herman Rush? TV Producer and Hollywood Executive, Dies at 94

Television producer Herman Rush, former president of Columbia Pictures Television, died at the age of 94 due to natural causes in Los Angeles on December 12, as confirmed by his daughter Mandie to The Hollywood Reporter.

Born in 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rush hailed from a show-business family, and his uncle Manie Sacks notably served as Frank Sinatra's initial manager.

In 1951, Rush started his television career at Official Film as a salesman, subsequently advancing to various leadership roles. In 1957, he acquired Flamingo Films, transforming it into a prominent independent syndication company.


During the '60s and early '70s, Rush served as the president of the television division at Creative Management Associates. He also contributed significantly to General Artists Corporation, now International Creative Management, facilitating the agency's foray into television packaging.

Notably, he played an important role in placing shows like The Perry Como Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, The Kraft Music Hall, and The Hollywood Palace on networks.

During his tenure, Rush served as the representative for producer Irwin Allen, overseeing the production of TV successes like Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost In Space, The Time Tunnel, and Land of the Giants.

In the late '60s, Rush obtained rights from British entertainment mogul Lord Lew Grade, including the well-known sitcom Till Death Us Do Part. Subsequently, he pitched it to Norman Lear, who transformed it into All in the Family.

In addition, Rush reworked and produced several BBC comedy TV series for the American audience, such as For the Love of Ada (A Touch of Grace) and Love Thy Neighbor.

Between 1971 and 1976, Rush worked as an autonomous TV packager and producer, contributing to numerous TV movies and comedy series at ABC. This period saw him taking on the role of executive producer for notable projects like the ABC Bicentennial Special, The American Spirit, and Death Stalk in collaboration with David Wolper Productions.

In 1979, he assumed the position of president at Marble Arch Television, the American counterpart of Lord Lew Grades’ Associated Communications Limited. However, the subsequent year marked his appointment as president of the Columbia Pictures Television Group.

During his time at Columbia Pictures, he played a key role in revitalizing the studio as a leading force in TV program production and distribution. He oversaw the creation of numerous movies and mini-series, successfully launching over a dozen series such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Mike Hammer, and Designing Women.

Additionally, Rush was part of Columbia during its acquisition by The Coca-Cola Company in 1982, and later witnessed its merger with Tri-Star Pictures in 1987 to establish Columbia Pictures Entertainment, Inc., eventually acquired by Sony Pictures in 1989.

During his career, Rush developed various TV projects, including The American Red Cross Emergency Test, A Users Guide to Planet Earth: The American Environment Test, and The Montel Williams Show.

FAQs:

Q1: When was Herman Rush born?
A1: 1929.

Q2: When did Herman Rush start his television career?
A2: In 1951 at Official Film as a salesman.