Aaron Spelling started out as an actor in the '50s, then segued into writing before finding his true calling as a producer in the '60s. And what a calling it was: fan favorites such as
Charlie's Angels; The Love Boat; Beverly Hills, 90210 (which launched the career of his daughter Tori);
Melrose Place; Starsky and Hutch; Dynasty; and
Charmed were just a few of the shows he worked on. His formula was to take a simple premise and liven it up with good-looking players, both up-and-comers (Heather Locklear on
Dynasty and
T.J. Hooker, Shannen Doherty on
90210 and
Charmed) and stars of yesteryear (Ricardo Montalban on
Fantasy Island, Robert Wagner on
Hart to Hart). Even in his sixties and seventies, he was uncannily in touch with the youth market, producing series that appealed to viewers young enough to be his grandchildren. From his breakthrough ('60s action series
The Mod Squad) to his swan song (wholesome family drama
7th Heaven, which continued to run after his death in 2006) Spelling was an unparalleled hit maker well-loved by his fans, his collaborators and even his critics.
Aaron Spelling Fast Facts:
- Served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II.
- Was a cheerleader in college.
- He and his second wife, Candy, bought Bing Crosby's house in L.A.'s Holmby Hills and knocked it down to build a 123-room estate.
- Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- In 1999, was awarded the Guinness World Record for Most Prolific TV Drama Producer, for 3842 hours of television shows since 1956.
- Remakes of two of his most popular '90s shows, 90210 and Melrose Place, debuted in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
- His estate has remained profitable following his death in 2006: Spelling was named to Forbes' list of Top-Earning Dead Celebrities in 2009.
- Aaron Spelling Relationships:
- Candy Spelling - Wife
- Carolyn Jones - Ex-wife
- David Spelling - Father
- Pearl Spelling - Mother
- Randy Spelling - Son
- Tori Spelling - Daughter
- Aaron Spelling Awards:
- 1970 Emmy: Outstanding Dramatic Series - Nominee
- 1977 Emmy: Outstanding Drama Series - Nominee
- 1978 Emmy: Outstanding Drama Series - Nominee
- 1980 Emmy: Outstanding Drama Series - Nominee
- 1982 Emmy: Outstanding Drama Series - Nominee
- 1994 Emmy: Outstanding Made for Television Movie - Winner
- 1989 Emmy: Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special - Winner
- College:
- Attended University of Paris, Paris, France; Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX