Spelling, Aaron

▪ 2007

 American television producer (b. April 22, 1923, Dallas, Texas—d. June 23, 2006, Los Angeles, Calif.), reigned as the top producer in television with a slew of blockbuster series in the 1960s,'70s, and '80s that included The Mod Squad, The Rookies, Family, Charlie's Angels, T.J. Hooker, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Hotel, and Hart to Hart. He later successfully appealed to younger audiences with such smash hits as Beverly Hills 90210 (1990–2000), which made a star of his daughter, Tori; Melrose Place (1992–99); and Charmed (1998–2006). Spelling also produced numerous made-for-TV films as well as a few feature films, notably Charlie's Angels (2000). Though most critics were unimpressed with Spelling's formula for success—gloss, glitz, and glamour—he amassed a fortune, built a 123-room mansion, and at one time had seven shows appearing on ABC television.

▪ 1997

      On Jan. 21, 1996, with the premier of "Savannah," a southern drama that earned channel WB its highest ratings, Aaron Spelling once again proved he was the most successful independent producer in television history. The show was his latest in a string of hits that included "Beverly Hills 90210," which began in 1992 as a high-school drama and costarred his daughter, Tori, and "Melrose Place," a prime-time soap opera popular with those in their 20s. While critics had long dismissed his shows as "cotton candy for the mind," Spelling, who had produced more than 45 programs, again found a recipe for success as millions of viewers continued to tune in.

      Spelling was born on April 22, 1923, in Dallas, Texas. He was the son of a Russian-Jewish immigrant tailor and grew up in a poor working-class neighbourhood. He attended Southern Methodist University (B.A., 1950), Dallas, where he began writing dramas and in 1947 and 1948 received the Eugene O'Neill Award for original one-act plays. Following graduation he directed in regional theatres before settling in Los Angeles. There he acted in bit parts on television and wrote in his spare time. In 1956 he sold his first script to "Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theater," and in 1960 he was named the show's producer. Two years later he created and produced his first series, "The Lloyd Bridges Show," which lasted only one season. In 1963, however, he had his first hit with "Burke's Law" (1963-66), a popular detective series featuring plush settings, beautiful women, and guest appearances by Hollywood stars, elements that became Spelling's trademark. In 1967 he formed a production company with actor Danny Thomas, and the following year "Mod Squad" (1968-73), a police drama that appealed to youths, debuted and was a huge success.

      Spelling became partners with Leonard Goldberg in 1972, and the duo had a parade of hits, most notably "Charlie's Angels" (1976-81), a crime series that centred on three attractive female private detectives. Though critics charged that it was exploitive, the show was popular with viewers—in the mid-1990s it could still be found in syndication. The pair also created "Family" (1976-80), which was a departure from the action-packed and sometimes violent plots that characterized many of Spelling's earlier shows. The domestic drama, noted for its realism, won four Emmy awards. In 1977 Aaron Spelling Productions (later Spelling Entertainment Group) was formed. The company's first show, "The Love Boat" (1977-86), became one of the longest-running prime-time network series. Other Spelling programs included "Starsky and Hutch" (1975-79), "Fantasy Island" (1978-84), and "Dynasty" (1981-89). Spelling, whose estimated wealth was over $250 million, also produced numerous motion pictures and made-for-television movies.

      (AMY TIKKANEN)

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