Veteran television producer, Stephen C. Grossman, whose many credits include eight years as coordinating producer on the 1980s CBS sitcom “Newhart,” passed away Thursday from coronavirus complications. He was 76.
Actor Alex Ben Block shared Grossman’s obituary with TheWrap on the family’s behalf.
Grossman’s long career as a producer began at Mary Tyler Moore Enterprises in 1977, where he worked on numerous pilots and series including “The Betty White Show,” “Mary” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Comedy Hour.”
After leaving MTM in 1990, Grossman was active at several production companies including Warner Bros., Paramount TV, Disney and Carsey-Werner, as well working with Ted Turner, Aaron Spelling and Steven Bochco.
His many TV credits include the 1997 CBS sitcom “George & Leo” with Newhart and Judd Hirsch, and the NBC comedy “Hope & Gloria.”
Grossman also served as co-president of the American Association of Producers, where he was instrumental in the merger with the Producer’s Guild of America. At the PGA, he helped launch the guild’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Before becoming a producer, he was an actor who understudied on Broadway, stage-managed at Circle in the Square Theatre, and worked for director Gil Cates.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joan; his daughter, Jennifer; a son-in law, Spencer Burke; and a grandson, Brenden as well as two sisters and a brother.
Funeral services will be held at Groman Eden Mortuary in Mission Hills, California on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
