Andy Friendly, a renowned television producer and former media executive in the United States, passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 74 in his Bel-Air, California home. The news was confirmed by his family, while the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.See more…
Friendly was best known as the first producer of “Entertainment Tonight”, a program that debuted in 1981 and became one of the longest-running and most influential entertainment news shows on American television. His work on the show earned him an Emmy nomination in the early 1980s.
Throughout his career, Andy Friendly held prominent leadership positions at major media organizations. He served as Vice President of Prime Programming at CNBC, overseeing key programs and high-profile interviews with notable public and political figures.
Later, he became President of Programming and Production at King World Productions, contributing to the success of iconic shows such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Wheel of Fortune,” and “Jeopardy!” He was also involved in education, teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California (USC).
Andy Friendly leaves behind a lasting legacy in television and media. He was married for 39 years to actress Patricia Crowley, who passed away just a few months earlier. His contributions to the industry will be remembered as a significant influence on modern American television.
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