Jerry Golod, Prominent 1980s TV Executive and Producer, Dies at 87
Jerry Golod, former CBS and NBC executive and producer of the cult hit "Tales From the Darkside", has passed away at 87 in California after a career spanning over four decades.
The American entertainment and television world is mourning the loss of Jerry Golod, a prominent producer and executive of the 1970s and 1980s, who passed away at the age of 87 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, following a brief battle with cancer. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Dori Golod Howell.
Golod enjoyed a rich career spanning over four decades. During the 1970s and 1980s, he served as vice president and senior executive at major American television networks CBS and NBC, where he oversaw children's programming, prime-time lineups, and late-night shows. Among his contributions, he managed beloved children's blocks such as "Captain Kangaroo" and various youth film and music festivals.
In the early 1980s, Golod founded the independent production company JayGee Productions, gaining renown for his ability to spot unconventional ideas and turn them into television hits. His greatest and most memorable success was the anthology series "Tales From the Darkside". Following the success of the horror film "Creepshow", Golod approached director George Romero, and the two developed the series, which became a cult hit and aired for four seasons from 1983 to 1989, featuring scripts by literary giants including Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Harlan Ellison.
Later in his career, Golod produced additional television series and movies, including the low-budget Canadian action drama "Adderly", the television film "Return to Green Acres", and the 1991 reboot of the adventure series "Land of the Lost". In the 1990s, he was also involved in launching a dedicated cable network for pet lovers. Golod is survived by Ruth, his wife of 59 years, his children Dori and Jason, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many family members.
