Paul Junger Witt

Biography

Paul Junger Witt was an American film and television producer and director whose career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on popular culture. He was a driving force behind numerous beloved and acclaimed series and films, often in collaboration with his partners Tony Thomas and his wife, Susan Harris.

Early Life and Entry into Entertainment:

Born on March 20, 1941, in New York City, New York, Paul Junger Witt began his journey in Hollywood in the mailroom of Columbia Pictures. He was a graduate of the University of Virginia. In 1973, he joined Danny Thomas Productions, where he met Tony Thomas, the son of comedian and actor Danny Thomas. This meeting would prove to be a pivotal moment in his career.

Witt/Thomas Productions and Television Dominance:

In 1975, Witt and Tony Thomas formed Witt/Thomas Productions, a company that would become one of the most successful and prolific in television history. Later, the company expanded to include writer-producer Susan Harris, becoming Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions. This partnership was responsible for a string of hit television shows that defined various eras of American TV.

Some of their most iconic television credits include:

• The Partridge Family (1970-1971): A musical sitcom that became a pop culture phenomenon.
• Brian's Song (1971): A critically acclaimed made-for-TV movie that earned Witt an Emmy for outstanding single program.
• Soap (1977-1981): A groundbreaking satirical sitcom that pushed boundaries and launched careers.
• Benson (1979-1986): A popular spin-off of Soap.
• The Golden Girls (1985-1992): A beloved and highly successful comedy series that won Witt two Emmys for Best Comedy Series in 1986 and 1987.

• Empty Nest (1988-1995): A successful spin-off of The Golden Girls.
• Blossom (1990-1995): A popular teen sitcom.
• Beauty and the Beast (1987-1990): A dramatic series that earned an Emmy nomination for Best Dramatic Series.
• The John Larroquette Show (1993-1996)
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At its peak, Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions had multiple series airing simultaneously, showcasing Witt's immense influence on the television landscape.

Forays into Feature Films:

Witt also successfully transitioned into feature film production, demonstrating his versatile producing abilities. His film credits include:

• Dead Poets Society (1989): An acclaimed drama that earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
• Three Kings (1999): A critically praised war drama.
• Insomnia (2002): A psychological thriller.
• A Better Life (2011): A poignant drama that he championed for years to bring to the screen, hoping to inspire dialogue about immigration.

Legacy:

Paul Junger Witt's contributions to entertainment were significant. He was a member of the USC School of Cinema-Television's Television Executive Advisory Council and sat on its Board of Councilors. He passed away on April 27, 2018, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 77. His legacy continues through the enduring popularity of the many television series and films he produced, which continue to entertain audiences worldwide.