Don Ohlmeyer

Don Ohlmeyer, a longtime producer and executive who helped lead NBC’s “Must-See TV” revival in the 1990s, died Sunday at his home in Palm Desert, Calif. He was 72. Ohlmeyer’s death was announced by his longtime friend Al Michaels during the “Sunday Night Football” telecast on NBC. “He was truly special and one of a kind,” said Michaels. Ohlmeyer had a long run as a sports producer before he moved to NBC as West Coast president in 1993. Ohlmeyer was an unconventional choice for his NBC role. He made his mark in the 1970s as producer of ABC’s “Monday Night Football” and high-gloss event specials such as “Battle of the Network Stars.” He was a chain-smoker who eschewed suits and ties for khakis and loafers without socks. Working with entertainment president Warren Littlefield, he led a group of young executives who have since advanced to top leadership roles in the industry, including FX Networks chief John Landgraf, Showtime Networks CEO David Nevins and TNT/TBS head Kevin Reilly. A graduate of Notre Dame, Ohlmeyer entered in the business through sports, directing the 1972 Olympic Games for ABC and served as a producer on the Olympic Games in 1976. He then moved to NBC Sports for several years, Ohlmeyer left NBC in 1999 after his contract expired. He mostly low profile after his executive tenure came to an end, returning to “Monday Night Football” for one season in 2000, as well as serving as ombudsman for ESPN from 2009-2011. Ohlmeyer also taught television courses at Pepperdine University, and he took up painting later in life. Survivors include his wife of many years, Linda Jonsson, four sons and nine grandchildren.