TV producer Andrew Ackerman dies

Andrew A. Ackerman, TV producer and former executive VP for Warner Brothers TV, died July 27 of cancer in Los Angeles. He was 55.

Most recently, Ackerman was co-executive producer for Berlanti Television, in charge of production on "Eli Stone," for ABC.Prior to that, he worked in the same capacity for Berlanti/Liddell Productions, helping to bring to the small screen both "Everwood" and "Jack & Bobby."

In 2001 Ackerman was executive VP of Production for Warner Bros. Television, where he was responsible for overseeing the production of all Warner Bros. Television series, including: "The West Wing," "ER," "The Drew Carey Show," "Friends," "Norm," "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and "Third Watch."

He began his career in 1977 at Lorimar Television as a production assistant on mini-series "The Blue Knight."After joining the Directors Guild in 1978, he served in various capacities on such productions as "A Death in California," "Eight is Enough," "Falcon Crest," "Kaz" and "Berengers."In 1986, he was named director of production for Lorimar Television, and was subsequently promoted to VP, where he supervised production on series including "Max Headroom," "Homefront" and "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman."
For the 1990-91 season, he was producer on "Gabriel's Fire," returning to his post as VP, Lorimar Television, the next season.

In 1993, Lorimar Television and Warner Bros. Television merged and became Warner Bros. Television; Ackerman maintained his post as VP, production. He became executive VP of production in June 1998.

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

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.