TV Producer and Executive David Gerber Dead at 86

David Gerber, an Emmy-winning producer and executive behind series such as Batman and thirtysomething, has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 86.

Gerber's work on the small screen dates back to the '70s in the TV division of 20^th Century Fox. Gerber's producing credits include Police StoryandPolice Womanas well as TV movies as recent as 2006's Flight 93.

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During his lengthy career, Gerber received a Peabody and Golden Globe as well as accolades from the American Film Institute and the Caucus of Producers, Writers and Directors. Following his tenure as president of the TV division at 20^th Century Fox, Gerber also served as president of the TV divisions at Columbia Pictures and MGM. He was responsible for notable programs such as In the Heat of the Night and Room 222, too.

Gerber — who died Saturday at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center — hailed from Brooklyn and graduated from the University of the Pacific. Before making a name for himself in Hollywood, Gerber served in World War II in the U.S. Air Corps and was held as a prisoner of war for 13 months.

Gerber is survived by his wife, Laraine.