David Wolper, producer of 'Roots,' dies at 82

[democrat2thecore]

Source: MSNBC

BEVERLY HILLS, California — David L. Wolper, whose landmark 1977 miniseries "Roots" engrossed the nation with its saga of an American family descended from an African slave, has died. He was 82.

Wolper died peacefully in his Beverly Hills home Tuesday evening while watching television with his wife Gloria, said spokesman Dale Olson. Wolper died of congestive heart disease and complications of Parkinson's disease, Olson said.

During his lengthy career, Wolper produced the children's classic "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and demonstrated his showman instincts with New York's 1986 extravaganza celebrating the Statue of Liberty centennial and the 1984 Olympic Games ceremonies in Los Angeles.

Before becoming a titan in the miniseries genre, Wolper had a series of highly successful TV documentaries, including the Emmy-winning "The Making of the President 1960." At the 1964 Emmy Awards, "The Making of the President 1960" received four trophies including program of the year, which was then the top award. "What a moment for me," Wolper said.

Read more: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38662393

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This is too bad. Actually, I believe Mr. Wolper actually visited and posted at DU several years ago. I remember reading a thread about his "Making of..." series based on the Teddy White books. Roots was great, Willy Wonka is a classic movie for children. RIP.

[democrat2thecore]

1. I found his old DU profile

It was 7 years ago when he posted here. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=user_profiles&u_id=145749

[The Straight Story]

2. kick (nt)

[Blue_Tires]

4. holy damn...really?

HOW did I ever miss that??

[BrklynLiberal]

9. wow. I always enjoyed his work....remember him well.

[yellerpup]

3. David Wolper and Patricia Neal in the same week.

Neal's husband, Roald Dahl wrote "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" upon which the "Willy Wonka..." film was based. Ms Neal passed away earlier this week. The mini-series "Roots" lifted TV mini-series to a new level. RIP, David. Thanks for your bravery and for the enlightenment you brought to all who were willing to give you a bit of time and attention. :cry:

[Bluenorthwest]

5. He was one of the greats....

[democrat2thecore]

6. Great Tribute at HuffPo

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dale-olsen/remembering-david-l-wolpe_b_678995.html

[BumRushDaShow]

7. R.I.P.

To a man with a great body of work as his legacy. So much that he produced resulted in an historic event (not just the content), with the maximization of the use of the TV as a medium. I watched much of his now classic work during the '70s and early '80s. Even 33 years later, "Roots" still sends chills up and down the spine.

R.I.P.

[democrat2thecore]

8. ** Kick for one of the greats **