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, programming executive, and professor.
- He was the first producer of Entertainment Tonight and worked at CNBC and King World Productions.
- Friendly was also a published author and served on the boards of several organizations.
- He is survived by his siblings, including journalist and producer David Friendly.
Introduction to Andy Friendly’s Life and Career
Andy Friendly, the first son of renowned CBS newsman Fred Friendly, has sadly passed away at the age of 74. Friendly’s death was announced by his brother, David Friendly, a journalist and film and television producer, who revealed that he had passed away at his home in Bel-Air on Sunday. The cause of death was not disclosed. Friendly’s wife, actress Patricia Crowley, had also recently passed away in September at the age of 91. With a career spanning several decades, Friendly left an indelible mark on the television industry, working as a producer, programming executive, and professor.
Early Life and Career
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 grew up surrounded by the world of television. He graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) and began his career at the age of 22 as a junior researcher at WNBC-TV in New York. It was during his time at WNBC-TV that Friendly met then-anchorman Tom Snyder, with whom he would later work on the Tomorrow Show in the early 1970s. Friendly’s early experiences in the industry laid the foundation for his future success, and he quickly made a name for himself as a talented and dedicated professional.
Notable Career Achievements
Friendly’s career was marked by several notable achievements, including his work as the first producer of Entertainment Tonight. He helped launch the show, which went on to become the longest-running daily entertainment news show in history, and received an Emmy nomination for his work in 1982. Friendly’s success with Entertainment Tonight was followed by a stint as vice president of primetime programs at CNBC, where he oversaw talk shows hosted by prominent figures such as Tom Snyder, Tim Russert, and Geraldo Rivera. His work at CNBC was widely praised, and he played a key role in shaping the network’s programming during a period of significant growth and creativity.
Tributes and Legacy
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO and president David Zaslav paid tribute to Friendly, describing him as "a brilliant producer and an exceptional leader who helped define CNBC during a pivotal period of growth and creativity." Zaslav also praised Friendly’s exceptional ability to spot talent, nurture ideas, and bring out the best in those around him. Friendly’s kindness, integrity, and generosity were also highlighted, with Zaslav noting that he "led with humor and heart, and he cared very deeply about people." These tributes are a testament to Friendly’s enduring legacy in the television industry, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
Later Career and Personal Life
In addition to his work in television, Friendly was also a published author and served on the boards of several organizations. His memoir, Willing to Be Lucky: Adventures in Life and Television, was published in 2017, offering a unique insight into his life and career. Friendly was also president of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society and an adjunct professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and he served on the boards of the USC Shoah Foundation and the Saban Community Clinic. These various pursuits demonstrate Friendly’s passion for the industry and his commitment to giving back to his community.
Conclusion and Remembrance
Andy Friendly’s passing is a significant loss for the television industry, and he will be deeply missed by his colleagues, friends, and family. His survivors include his siblings, David, Lisa, Richard, Michael, and Jon, who will undoubtedly continue to celebrate his life and legacy. As the industry mourns the loss of this talented and dedicated professional, it is clear that Friendly’s impact will be felt for years to come. His contributions to the world of television are immeasurable, and his memory will serve as a reminder of the power of hard work, dedication, and a passion for storytelling.
