Overview
- Katzman died on Aug. 9 at his home in Los Angeles from Parkinson’s disease, the family said in statements reported Aug. 10 by multiple outlets.
- He joined the William Morris Agency in 1972, rose from business affairs to head worldwide television, was named president in 1991 and became vice chairman in 1997 before leaving the agency around 2001–2002.
- As a television packager, Katzman assembled writers, talent and other creative elements to sell series, with credits on shows such as The Cosby Show, The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air, Murphy Brown, Murder, She Wrote and Roseanne.
- After leaving William Morris he taught in UCLA’s Producers Program, consulted for firms including Anonymous Content, and served as president of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society.
- He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carol, their three children and extended family; a public service is set for Aug. 13 at Hillside Memorial Park and the family suggested donations to the UCLA Parkinson’s Center, Jewish Federation Los Angeles and the Cedars‑Sinai Board of Governors.