Remembering Andy Friendly: Veteran TV Exec and Emmy-Nominated Producer
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of veteran TV executive and Emmy-nominated producer, Andy Friendly. He passed away on Sunday, January 4, at the age of 74.
Andy Friendly, the son of the renowned journalist Fred Friendly and brother of producer David Friendly, began his illustrious career as a writer and producer at NBC News in New York. He later went on to become a producer for Tom Snyder’s “Tomorrow” late-night talk show on the network.
One of Friendly’s most notable contributions was his role in creating the long-running entertainment news magazine “Entertainment Tonight” in 1981. He served as the first producer of the strip series and later became the Vice President of Primetime Programs at CNBC, overseeing talk shows hosted by prominent journalists and talk-show hosts such as Tom Snyder, Tim Russert, and Geraldo Rivera.
During his time at CNBC, Friendly worked under the leadership of David Zaslav, who is now the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. Zaslav fondly remembers Friendly as a brilliant producer and exceptional leader who played a crucial role in defining CNBC during a period of growth and creativity.
After his tenure at CNBC, Friendly went on to become the President of Programming and Production at King World Productions. At King World, he was responsible for programming strategy, development, and production for first-run syndication, overseeing popular shows like “Oprah Winfrey” and “Wheel of Fortune.”
Outside of his professional endeavors, Andy Friendly was an active member of the entertainment community, serving as the President of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society. He also dedicated his time to teaching as an adjunct professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Additionally, Friendly was involved in various philanthropic efforts, serving on the Board of Councilors of the USC Shoah Foundation and the Board of the Friends of the Saban Community Clinic.
Andy Friendly is survived by his immediate family, including his sister Lisa Friendly, brothers David Friendly, Richard Mark, Michael Mark, Jon Mark, and Ruth Friendly, as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his late wife, Pat Crowley, whom he married in 1986.
