George Shapiro, TV Producer & Talent Manager, Dies at 91
Hollywood’s own “hiring wizard” retired from the world one year too soon, leaving behind a career glittering with jokes, iconic sitcoms, and friendships that were as legendary as the skits he helped bring to life.
A Legacy of Laughter
George Shapiro, a man who once ran the mail room of William Morris and later became the glue that bound stars like Jerry Seinfeld, Carl Reiner, and Andy Kaufman together, left us on May 26, quietly at his Beverly Hills home. He passed from natural causes—no dramatic curtain call, just the calm of a life well‑played.
Stellar Slate of Clients
- Jerry Seinfeld – from stand‑up to the monumental hit “Seinfeld” (180 episodes, still a replay staple).
- Carl Reiner – the comedy sage who shaped generations of performers.
- Andy Kaufman – the prankster’s partner in crime (their friendship rolled into the 1999 biopic Man on the Moon).
He wasn’t just a manager; he was the friendly face behind the curtain, a talent whisperer who knew who’d keep the crowd laughing and who’d give comedians the confidence to try before they soar.
Last Works and Final Curtain
Shapiro’s final salute to the spotlight was The Super Bob Einstein Movie, which landed on HBO last year—a neat bow to his love for comedy and film. He also kept busy with early TV gems like The Steve Allen Show, That Girl, and Gomer Pyle, proving his fingerprints spanned decades.
Tributes from the Tribes
Word spread quickly; celebrities and fans alike posted heartfelt tributes, each thread a testament to the man’s impact.
- Norman Lear (99) shared a photo with Shapiro and comedic legend Mel Brooks, captioned, “One of the dearest people I have ever known, George Shapiro, just passed. I bless our friendship and, at 99, I’m sure I’ll see him soon.”
- A fan wrote, “It can’t be overstated what a mark this guy made in cultivating comedy. You saw the Shapiro/West vanity card on something and you knew you were getting the real goods…”
- Another admired Shapiro’s journey from the mail room to managing iconic talent, highlighting his role as executive producer of Seinfeld.
Family & Friends
George leaves behind a close-knit clan: his wife and mother, and his dearly beloved children—Melody, Danny, Carrie, and Stefanie—along with five proud grandchildren. Their love for him continues to echo in every joke and every story shared.
When the world chuckles and the cameras forever capture, it’s easy to think of George’s career as a timeless laugh track: It’s not over. The jokes and the memories keep rolling—his legacy, like a classic sitcom rerun, is destined to keep people smiling for many more seasons.