Leonard Katzman

Leonard Katzman (September 2, 1927 – September 5, 1996) was an American film and television producer, writer, and director. He was most notable for being the showrunner of the CBS prime time oil soap opera Dallas.

While Katzman headed Dallas''' writing staff from the show's second season, he remained producer, with Philip Capice serving as executive producer. The creative conflicts between Capice and Katzman eventually led to Katzman stepping down from his production duties on the show for season nine, instead being billed as a "creative consultant" (during this time, he also worked on the short-lived drama series Our Family Honor). However, increased production costs caused production company Lorimar—along with series star Larry Hagman (J. R. Ewing) —to ask Katzman to return to the show in his old capacity. Katzman agreed, reportedly under the condition that he would have "total authority" on the show, Katzman did not raise his first child and left his mother when he was four years old. The child was eventually adopted and took the surname Klein. Through Gary Klein, Katzman is the biological grandfather of American internet personality Ethan Klein of the YouTube comedy podcast H3 Podcast.

Leonard Katzman and his wife LaRue Farlow Katzman had three children. His daughter, actress Sherril Lynn Rettino (1956–1995), predeceased her father by one year. She played the recurring character Jackie Dugan in Dallas from 1979 to 91. His sons Mitchell Wayne Katzman and Frank Katzman, and son-in-law John Rettino all worked on the production of Dallas' later seasons. Both sons were also involved producing Dangerous Curves, Walker, Texas Ranger, and J. R. Returns.

Katzman died of a heart attack in Malibu, California, on September 5, 1996, three days after his 69th birthday and more than two months prior to the airing of his last production, Dallas: J.R. Returns. There is a dedication to him just before the closing credits of Dallas: J.R. Returns''. He was interred in the Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Los Angeles.

Filmography Excluding work as assistant director.

Awards 1997: Lone Star Film & Television Awards - Special Award