Paul Junger Witt, the prolific TV producer behind "The Golden Girls," ''The Partridge Family" and "Soap," died Friday, a spokeswoman said. He was 77.
Witt died at his Los Angeles-area home after battling cancer, spokeswoman Pam Golum said.
He worked at Columbia Pictures before joining comedian-actor Danny Thomas' production company in 1973, where he and Thomas' son, Tony, teamed up.
In 1975, Witt and Tony Thomas formed a production company that later expanded to include writer-producer Susan Harris, who created "The Golden Girls," the hit 1985-92 series starring Bea Arthur, Betty White and Rue McClanahan.
Witt and Harris married in 1983.
Witt's other credits include the TV series "Benson," ''Empty Nest," ''Blossom" and the TV movie "Brian's Song." He produced big-screen films including "Dead Poets Society," ''Three Kings," ''Insomnia" and "A Better Life."
Witt prized "A Better Life," about a single father living in the country illegally whose livelihood and freedom are put at risk by the theft of his truck. Mexican film star Demian Bichir received an Oscar nomination for the role.
In a 2011 interview with The Associated Press, Witt said the story was inspired by a neighbor's gardener, whose truck was stolen but who declined to report it out of fear of arrest and deportation. Witt, who pushed for years to get the film made, said he hoped it would prompt thoughtful discussion of a hot-button issue.
"If the film can be responsible for dialogue instead of screaming, then it's a good thing," Witt said. "I don't care what someone feels about immigrants coming in (to the movie), but if they come out knowing they are dealing with people, they can still feel what they do politically — but know this is about people."
Witt, a New York native, is survived by Harris and five children, Golum said Friday.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakers’ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including “Death of Mr. Peanut.” He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose “First Kid. Second Kid” campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. He’s gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. He’s accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
“Mike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,” said Goldberg. “Mike’s got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. He’s got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what we’re about.”
“I’ve... Read More