ToughPigs is saddened to learn that film and television producer Martin Starger has passed away at the age of 92.
As the first president of ABC Entertainment, Starger helped bring such shows to television as Marcus Welby, M.D., Happy Days, Rich Man, Poor Man, and Roots. Moving into feature films, he produced works like Robert Altman’s Nashville and Peter Bogdanovich’s Mask. In 1978, Starger joined Lew Grade’s ITC Entertainment, eventually becoming president of Associated Film Distribution, which distributed ITC films.
It was through his association with ITC that Starger had a brief but productive period with the Muppets, executive producing The Muppet Movie and The Great Muppet Caper, as well as the television special The Muppets Go Hollywood.
While his Muppet credits were few, his guidance helped the Muppets transition into movie stars, and we’re grateful for his efforts.
Click here to help us remember Martin Starger on the ToughPigs Discord!
by Matthew Soberman – Matthew@ToughPigs.com
