Stanley G. Robertson dies

Television and film executive Stanley G. Robertson, who had been an African-American pioneer in show business as Vice president of both a significant TV network, NBC, and then of Columbia Pictures, died November. 16 at his home in Bel Air. He was 85. After from journalism, Robertson labored his in place at NBC from page to Vice president of film programs, accountable for primetime programming. Younger crowd went their own production company, Jilcris through Universal he created a short but landmark 1979 series, "Harris and Company," the very first weekly TV drama dedicated to a black family. Later he worked with with Bill Cosby over "Ghost Father," starring Cosby, and "Males of Recognition." The happy couple professional created the flicks. During the period of his career, Robertson labored behind the curtain to succeed minority inclusion within the entertainment industry. Born in La having a handicap -- poor vision -- Robertson initially attended a college concentrating in aesthetically impaired students. He received a diploma from La City College in 1949 after which labored like a general assignment reporter for African-American newspaper the La Sentinel for 2 years. He rose to controlling editor, then moved to Ebenholzfarben magazine, where he grew to become connect editor. He left Ebenholzfarben, however, to pursue another type of career, entering USC in 1954 to review telecommunications. Robertson was initially hired like a page at NBC in 1957, then did a stint in the network's music clearance department. With time he was marketed in to the network's executive ranks, first like a manager of film program procedures in 1965, then like a director of movies for television, Vice president of movies for television in 1971 and then Vice president of film programs. Trying to bring minority images further in to the mainstream, Robertson released their own production company, Jilcris Corporation., sealing an offer with Universal Galleries like a author, producer and executive. There he developed and created "Harris and Company," starring Bernie Casey like a father of 5. Later, Robertson went Bill Cosby's production company at Universal. He subsequently left for Vital, where he was instrumental in producing the film "Males of Recognition," the storyline from the first African-American U.S. Navy diver. It starred Cuba Gooding Junior. and Robert P Niro. Back In 1984, Robertson was introduced to Columbia Pictures by studio mind Frank Cost and subsequently made Vice president of production by Guy McElwaine. Robertson's efforts led to the development of the very first program centered on developing minority authors and company directors in a major studio. Younger crowd began a course that developed new minority management personnel. Robertson is made it by his wife of 58 years, Ruby a daughter along with a boy. A memorial service for Robertson is going to be held on Monday, 12 ,. 19 at 11 a.m. in the Courtyard by Marriott, 6333 Bristol Park Way, Palisades Garden Room, Culver City. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com