Harry Ackerman Biography

Fast Facts

• Graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Theater Arts in 1935
• Began his career in the entertainment industry as a writer and actor before joining Young & Rubicam as the vice president of program operations
• As the vice president of CBS during the 1950s, he helped to create and develop shows like "Gunsmoke," "I Love Lucy," and "The Jack Benny Show․"
• In addition to CBS, he also worked for Screen Gems and Paramount Studios, and was heading his own production company at the time of his death
• Best known as the executive producer of several classic TV series, including "Dennis the Menace," "Bewitched," and "Hazel․"
• Spent two terms as the president of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
• His widow, Elinor Donahue, donated a collection of his papers to his alma mater, Dartmouth College