Who was Herman Rush? Former President Of Columbia Pictures Television Dead at 94

Herman Rush, a seasoned television producer renowned for licensing the UK sitcom Till Death Us Do Part, which Norman Lear transformed into the iconic All in the Family, passed away on December 12 at the age of 94 in Los Angeles. The cause of death was cited as natural causes, according to various news reports.

Rush embarked on his television career in 1951, initially working in sales for Official Film. He later acquired Flamingo Films, a television syndication firm, successfully developing it into a prominent independent syndication company.

Throughout the 1970s, Rush served as the president of the television division at Creative Management Associates, significantly contributing to the agency’s venture into television packaging. Some of the notable shows he facilitated placement for on networks included The Perry Como Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, The Kraft Music Hall, and The Hollywood Palace.

He also represented producer Irwin Allen during the production of TV hits such as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost In Space, The Time Tunnel, and Land of the Giants.

In the late 1960s, Rush acquired rights to various properties from British figure Lord Lew Grade. One of these acquisitions was the widely popular sitcom Till Death Us Do Part, subsequently presented to Norman Lear, who transformed it into the groundbreaking All in the Family.

In 1980, Rush assumed the role of president of Columbia Pictures Television Group, overseeing the airing of more than a dozen series, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Mike Hammer, and Designing Women.

He co-founded Katz/Rush Entertainment with Raymond Katz, contributing to the production of shows such as The New Original Amateur Hour, The Susan Powter Show, Miss America: Behind The Crown, and Nite Cap.

Herman Rush is survived by his children, Mandie and Jim.