The Hollywood community is mourning the loss of syndication mogul Michael King who died at the age of 67 on Wednesday from complications of pneumonia.
“Michael King was a friend and someone I deeply admired for both both his accomplishments and his spirit,” Netflix chief, Ted Sarandos, told TheWrap in a statement. “He was the most thoughtful and kind man in town and I already miss him. He leaves a tremendous legacy and a trail of people who loved him deeply. I don’t know what else you could want from life.”
King was responsible for launching such mega-syndication franchises as “The
“Michael King is a friend that will be sorely missed,” Phil McGraw, host of “Dr. Phil,” told TheWrap. “Anyone that knew Michael knows what a passion he brought to everything he touched. He and Roger certainly had a profound impact on my life personally and professionally. Robin and I are praying for the entire King family in this time of loss.”
“Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron took to Twitter to honor King, who he credits with bringing him to Hollywood.
“Remembering Michael King. He and his late brother Roger brought me to Hollywood to host Hollywood Squares in 1998,” Bergeron tweeted.
The syndication executive’s King World Productions was one of television’s most successful production companies and syndicators. In addition to “Oprah” and “Dr. Phil,” the company was also involved with “The Geraldo Rivera Show,” “The Merv Griffin Show” and “Rachael Ray.” Acquired by CBS in 2000, King Word was incorporated into CBS Television Distribution in 2007.
Founded in 1964 by Charles King, King World Productions made its initial splash by distributing Hal Roach’s Our Gang short films. When the elder King died in 1973, his children, including sons Michael and Roger, assumed control of the company.
Roger King died in 2007.