Cancer Claims Producer Andrew Ackerman

Berlanti Television exec was 55

Television producer Andrew Ackerman, co-executive producer for Berlanti Television (ABC's Eli Stone), died July 27 of cancer in Los Angeles. The former executive vice president for Warner Brothers TV was 55.

Prior to Eli Stone, he ushered both Everwood and Jack & Bobby on the air via Berlanti/Liddell Productions.

During his tenure with Warner Bros. TV, Ackerman oversaw the production of such key series as The West Wing, ER, The Drew Carey Show and Friends.

Ackerman began his career in 1977 at Lorimar Television as a production assistant on mini-series The Blue Knight and went on to work on such productions as Eight is Enough and Falcon Crest.

Lorimar named Ackerman director of production in 1986 and later promoted him to VP. Lorimar Television and Warner Bros. Television merged in 1993, becoming Warner Bros. Television. Ackerman continued on as VP, production and was elevated to executive VP of production in 1998.

He is survived by his partner Jennifer Lence, his daughter and son, and a brother, producer Mitch Ackerman.