Andy Friendly, key figure in American entertainment TV, died at 74.

Andy Friendly, the Emmy-nominated founding producer of *Entertainment Tonight* and a key figure in shaping American entertainment television, has died at 74. He helped launch the show in 1981 and later led primetime programming at CNBC, producing talks with major figures like Tom Snyder, Tim Russert, and Dan Rather. He also oversaw hit syndicated programs at King World Productions, including *Oprah Winfrey*, *Wheel of Fortune*, and *Jeopardy!*. Known for his leadership, creativity, and generosity, Friendly served in roles at Warner Bros. Discovery, the Hollywood Radio & Television Society, and USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. His memoir, *Willing to Be Lucky*, was published in 2017. He died in his Bel-Air home with no cause disclosed, survived by family; his wife, actress Patricia Crowley, died in 2025.