Richard S. Reisberg, a veteran executive in the television industry who held leadership positions at Viacom Productions, United Artists Television, MGM/UA Television Productions and Lionsgate Television, died on September 23. According to information confirmed by his family to Deadline, he was 85, although the headline published by the outlet itself states that he was 86. No cause of death has been provided.
His family confirmed the news directly to the US outlet, without offering further details about the circumstances of his death.
A decades-long career in the television industry
After earning his law degree, Reisberg began his professional career in the business affairs departments of ABC, CBS and NBC. He later joined Viacom International, where he rose to become senior vice president. In 1972 he was named president of Viacom Productions, a role that marked the start of a long career as a top-level executive in the industry.
Following his time at Viacom, Reisberg went on to hold a series of prominent leadership positions: he served as president of United Artists Television, president of MGM/UA Television Productions, and president and chief operating officer of Reeves Entertainment. His last role in the industry was as president of Lionsgate Television.
His work as a mediator and teacher
After retiring from executive work, Reisberg became a mediator for the organization JAMS and also taught mediation classes at Pepperdine School of Law in Malibu.
Family and legacy
Richard S. Reisberg is survived by his widow, Judy, his wife for nearly 56 years. He is also survived by his daughters, Jennifer Benson and Stephanie Silvera; his son-in-law, Justin Silvera; and his grandchildren, Oliver and Tyler Benson, as well as Ella and Layla Silvera. His other son-in-law, David Benson, predeceased him.
The family has requested that donations in his memory be made to Alzheimer's Los Angeles.
Frequently asked questions about Richard S. Reisberg
Who was Richard S. Reisberg?
Richard S. Reisberg was a television executive who held senior leadership positions at Viacom Productions, United Artists Television, MGM/UA Television Productions, Reeves Entertainment and Lionsgate Television throughout his career.
When did Richard S. Reisberg die?
Richard S. Reisberg died on September 23, as confirmed by his family to the US outlet Deadline. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
How old was Richard S. Reisberg when he died?
There is a discrepancy in the available information: the headline of the story states that he was 86, while the body of the text states that he was 85 at the time of his death.
What did Richard S. Reisberg do after leaving the television industry?
After his time as an executive, Reisberg worked as a mediator for the organization JAMS and also taught mediation at Pepperdine School of Law in Malibu.
Who survives Richard S. Reisberg?
He is survived by his wife Judy, to whom he was married for nearly 56 years, his daughters Jennifer Benson and Stephanie Silvera, his son-in-law Justin Silvera, and his grandchildren Oliver and Tyler Benson, as well as Ella and Layla Silvera.
