Michael King, ‘Oprah’ And ‘Dr. Phil’ Co-Creator, Dies At 66
Michael King, the co-creator of such shows as Dr. Phil and Oprah, died at the age of 66.
TMZ reports that the former CEO of King World Productions traveled to France with his wife to visit their son several weeks ago. Shortly after returning home, Michael King reportedly contracted a serious infection.
Michael King — Creator Of Oprah, Dr. Phil Dead… Dies at 66 http://t.co/KqW71aZBLx
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 28, 2015
According to the report, King was first admitted to Cedars Sinai Medical Center nearly three weeks ago. While in the Intensive Care Unit, King received treatment for pneumonia.
Even though he was placed on a ventilator, TMZ reports that his condition steadily deteriorated until he was removed from life support Wednesday afternoon. Michael King worked alongside his brother, Roger, to co-create such shows as Dr. Phil and Oprah. He also acquired the rights to such popular game shows as Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
#MichaelKing dead — The creator of #Oprah and #DrPhil passes away at 66 http://t.co/WDSEJR2vQ4 pic.twitter.com/5UY3ul0YOM — Perez Hilton (@PerezHilton) May 28, 2015
However, that is not where the list of successful programming stopped for the media magnate. According to Us Weekly, that extensive resume also included such shows as Everybody Loves Raymond, America’s Next Top Model and Hollywood Squares.
The King brothers inherited their father’s media conglomerate King World Productions along with their five other siblings.
King owned a stake in the New Jersey Devils, New Jersey Nets and New York Yankees. After CBS acquired King World Productions in 2000 for $2.5 billion, Michael King reportedly “retired largely from the industry.”‘
When the brothers officially announced the merger, Michael King expressed his excitement over the new chapter of the company’s journey.
“This is a great day for our shareholders, our family and all of the people at King World. After growing King World into the leading television syndication company, we believe this is the appropriate time to add our resources and expertise to CBS. This combination greatly enhances one of the most dynamic media companies in the world.”
His brother, Roger, passed away in December 2007 at the age of 63. The former CEO of CBS Television Distribution suffered a stroke in his home the day before he died.
Quite a few people – including celebrities – have reflected on the death of Michael King via Twitter.
Devastated to here the news of Michael King’s passing, gave @RichardCommey an opportunity when others wouldn’t #RIP pic.twitter.com/MBNPAk8sU9
— M Amoo-Bediako Snr (@Mickey_Moo) May 28, 2015
Remembering Michael King. He and his late brother Roger brought me to Hollywood to host Hollywood Squares in 1998. #RIP — Tom Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) May 28, 2015
Woke up 2hear Michael King passed away yesterday from pneumonia he got while visiting his son in France. He fought for 20 days at CedarsRIP
— Shane Mosley (@ShaneMosley_) May 28, 2015
Michael King apparently touched the lives of many of today’s most popular television personalities.
[Image Credit: Oprah]
