Hollywood producer and studio executive Daniel Melnick died 13 October 2009 of, among other things, lung cancer. Born 21 April 1932 in New York City, he shared an Emmy Award in 1967 for Outstanding Dramatic Program (Death of a Salesman) with David Susskind.
In a 1997 press release quoted by The New York Times, ComTec International (whose Board of Directors Melnick had just joined) said he attended New York University, but moved to Hollywood at the age of 19 and became the youngest producer at CBS Television. Then he moved to ABC, where he was one of those behind The Flintstones and The Fugitive. Melnick teamed up with David Susskind in the early 1960s, and the duo produced programs such as N.Y.P.D. and Get Smart. In 1972, he joined MGM, and in 1978, became the president of Columbia Pictures.
His genre productions include Universal Soldier: The Return (1999), L.A. Story (1991), Roxanne (1987), and Altered States (1980).
In addition to his professional career, Melnick was also known for the monthly poker game he hosted at his home for many years. Regulars at that game included Johnny Carson, Chevy Chase, Barry Diller, Steve Martin, Carl Reiner, and Neil Simon.
Melnick is survived by his son and daughter, and two grandchildren. His one marriage, to Linda Rogers, ended in divorce in 1971.