Grant Tinker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grant Tinker
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Grant Tinker at the 64th Annual Peabody Awards, May 2005
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| Born |
Grant Almerin Tinker
January 11, 1926 Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Died | November 28, 2016 (aged 90) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Dartmouth College |
| Occupation | Television producer and executive |
| Known for | CEO of NBC (1981–86) |
| Spouse(s) |
Ruth Byerly
(m. 1950; div. 1962)Brooke Knapp
(m. 2004) |
| Children | 4, including Mark and John Tinker |
| Relatives | Zach Tinker (grandson) |
| Awards | Television Hall of Fame (1997) |
Grant Almerin Tinker (born January 11, 1926 – died November 28, 2016) was an important American television leader. He was the boss, or CEO, of the TV network NBC from 1981 to 1986. He also helped start a company called MTM Enterprises and produced many TV shows.
Contents
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Grant Tinker was born in Stamford, Connecticut. His parents were Margaret and Arthur Almerin Tinker. He also had a younger sister named Joan.
During World War II, Tinker served in the United States Army Air Forces Reserve. After the war, he went to college and graduated from Dartmouth College. Two of his sons, Mark and John, also became television producers.
In 1961, Tinker started working at NBC again. He was in charge of programming on the West Coast. He helped create famous shows like I Spy, Dr. Kildare, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.. He also worked on the original Star Trek and Get Smart.
Creating MTM Enterprises
In 1962, Grant Tinker married actress Mary Tyler Moore. He left NBC in 1967 to work for Universal Television. Later, in 1969, he joined 20th Century Fox Television.
In late 1969, Tinker and Mary Tyler Moore started their own television production company called MTM Enterprises. Tinker hired writers James L. Brooks and Allan Burns to create the company's first TV show. This show was The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which became very popular.
MTM Enterprises made many successful American sitcoms (funny shows) and drama series. Some of these included Rhoda, The Bob Newhart Show, WKRP in Cincinnati, Hill Street Blues, and St. Elsewhere.
Leading NBC
After his marriage to Mary Tyler Moore ended in 1981, Tinker left MTM. He became the chairman and CEO of NBC. At that time, NBC was the least popular American television network in terms of viewers and profits.
During Tinker's time as the head of NBC, the network became popular again. He helped bring many hit shows to the screen. These included The Cosby Show, Family Ties, The Golden Girls, Cheers, Night Court, and Hill Street Blues.
Tinker left NBC in 1986. This happened shortly after its parent company RCA was bought by General Electric.
Later Career and Personal Life
After leaving NBC, Tinker tried to create another successful company like MTM. He formed GTG (Grant Tinker-Gannett) Entertainment. However, this business did not succeed and closed in 1990.
Grant Tinker was married three times. His first marriage was to Ruth Byerly in 1950. They had four children: Mark, Mike, Jodie, and John. Mark and John became successful TV producers. This marriage ended in 1962.
Later that same year, he married actress Mary Tyler Moore. This marriage ended in 1981. In 2004, Tinker married aviator Brooke Knapp. They were married until his death.
Death and Legacy
Grant Tinker died at his home in Los Angeles on November 28, 2016. He was 90 years old. He is buried at Hillside Cemetery in North Adams, Massachusetts.
Awards and Honors
- Tinker was recognized for his work in television. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1997.
- In 2004, Tinker won a special Peabody Award. This award was given to him for "recognizing, protecting, and fostering creativity of the highest order."
See also
In Spanish: Grant Tinker para niños
