Herman Rush Cause of Death

Renowned television producer Herman Rush, former president of Columbia Pictures Television, passed away at the age of 94 on December 12 due to natural causes in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his daughter Mandie.

Born in 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rush hailed from a family deeply rooted in show business, with his uncle Manie Sacks serving as Frank Sinatra’s initial manager. Initiating his television career in 1951, Rush began as a salesman for Official Film, gradually ascending to various leadership roles. In 1957, he acquired Flamingo Films, a television syndication firm, transforming it into a significant independent syndication company.

During the ’60s and early ’70s, Rush held the position of President of the Television Division at Creative Management Associates. His contributions extended to General Artists Corporation, the predecessor of International Creative Management, where he played a pivotal role in the agency’s foray into television packaging. Among the notable shows he facilitated placement for were The Perry Como Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, The Kraft Music Hall, and The Hollywood Palace.

Rush also represented producer Irwin Allen during the creation of TV successes like Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost In Space, The Time Tunnel, and Land of the Giants. In the late ’60s, he acquired properties from British entertainment figure Lord Lew Grade, including the popular sitcom Till Death Us Do Part. This property was later handed to Norman Lear, who adapted it into the iconic All in the Family. Additionally, Rush repackaged and produced various BBC comedy TV series for American audiences, including For the Love of Ada (A Touch of Grace) and Love Thy Neighbor.

From 1971 to 1976, Rush served as an independent TV packager and producer, contributing to the creation of several TV movies and comedy series at ABC. During this period, he executive produced the ABC Bicentennial Special, The American Spirit, and Death Stalk in collaboration with David Wolper Productions.

In 1979, Rush assumed the role of president of Marble Arch Television, the American subsidiary of Lord Lew Grade’s Associated Communications Limited. The subsequent year, he was appointed president of Columbia Pictures Television Group, marking another significant chapter in his illustrious career.