Key Takeaways
- Andy Friendly, the first son of CBS newsman Fred Friendly, has passed away at the age of 74.
- Friendly had a successful career in television, working as a producer on Entertainment Tonight and as a programming executive at CNBC and King World.
- He received an Emmy nomination for his work on Entertainment Tonight in 1982 and was known for his ability to spot talent and nurture ideas.
- Friendly was also a president of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society and an adjunct professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
- He is survived by his mother, siblings, and other family members.
Introduction to Andy Friendly’s Life and Career
Andy Friendly, the first son of renowned CBS newsman Fred Friendly, has died at the age of 74. Friendly’s death was announced by his brother, David Friendly, a journalist turned film and television producer. The cause of death was not revealed. Friendly’s wife, actress Patricia Crowley, who starred in the 1960s NBC series Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, passed away in September at the age of 91. Born on November 6, 1951, the same week his father and Edward R. Murrow launched their pioneering documentary series See It Now on CBS, Friendly went on to have a successful career in television.
Early Career and Education
Friendly graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) and began his career in television at the age of 22 as a junior researcher at WNBC-TV in New York. It was during his time at WNBC-TV that he met Tom Snyder, who was an anchorman at the station. Friendly later became a writer and produced Snyder’s Tomorrow Show in the early 1970s. This early experience laid the foundation for his future success in the television industry. Friendly’s education and early career experiences played a significant role in shaping his skills and interests, which ultimately led him to become a successful producer and programming executive.
Work on Entertainment Tonight and CNBC
One of Friendly’s most notable achievements was his work as the first producer of Entertainment Tonight, a first-run syndicated program that went on to become the longest-running daily entertainment news show in history. Friendly received an Emmy nomination for his work on the show in 1982. He also worked as vice president of primetime programs at CNBC from 1990-1995, where he oversaw talk shows hosted by Tom Snyder, Tim Russert, Geraldo Rivera, and others. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO and president David Zaslav praised Friendly’s work at CNBC, stating that he was a "brilliant producer and an exceptional leader" who helped define the network during a pivotal period of growth and creativity.
Leadership Roles and Later Career
In addition to his work on Entertainment Tonight and CNBC, Friendly held several leadership roles in the television industry. He served as president of programming and production at King World Productions from 1995-2001, where he was responsible for programming strategy, development, and production. Friendly was also president of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society and an adjunct professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. He served on the boards of the USC Shoah Foundation and the Saban Community Clinic, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to his community. In 2017, Friendly published his memoir, Willing to Be Lucky: Adventures in Life and Television, which chronicled his experiences in the television industry.
Tributes and Legacy
Friendly’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the television industry. David Zaslav praised Friendly’s kindness, integrity, and creative legacy, stating that he "led with generosity, humor, and heart" and "cared very deeply about people." Friendly’s survivors include his mother, Ruth, and his siblings, Lisa, Richard, Michael, Jon, and David. His legacy as a talented producer, exceptional leader, and kind person will be remembered for years to come. Friendly’s contributions to the television industry have had a lasting impact, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations of producers, executives, and journalists.
