Jamie Kellner, who served for years as the Head of Turner Broadcasting and played a key role in the end of WCW, has passed away at the age of 77.
Kellner passed away on June 21 with news of his death first being shared by Variety. In a statement, producer Greg Berlanti spoke about what Kellner meant to him and countless others who worked with him throughout his career.
“Kellner was a titan and a visionary in our industry and yet he will be remembered by anyone lucky enough to work for him as an executive or as a showrunner as a warm, funny, charismatic, creative and kind mentor, friend, husband and Dad.”
To wrestling fans, Kellner is known as the man who ultimately decided to cancel WCW when he took over the Head of Turner Broadcast, succeeding Ted Turner in 2000. It was Kellner’s decision to cancel the TV contracts of WCW programming as the promotion was losing a fortune in its final years.
The final episode of WCW Monday Nitro came on March 26, 2001 and saw the reveal that Shane McMahon had purchased the company. This would be a lead-in to that year’s Invasion angle which saw WCW and ECW attempt to ‘destroy’ the WWF.
Jamie Kellner Outside Wrestling
Away from WCW, Kellner is credited for launching projects for FOX and The WB. Kellner was in charge when hit shows premiered on The WB including Married… With Children, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The Simpsons. Kellner also launched FOX Kids during his time at the network.
We at SE Scoops would like to share our sincere condolences to those who knew Kellner at this sad time.