Irv Wilson, a former programming executive at NBC and producer of numerous notable TV movies featuring stars like Jerry Lewis, Martin Sheen, Telly Savalas, Bruce Dern, and Morgan Freeman, passed away on December 26 after a brief illness at the age of 93.

His passing was confirmed by his long-time friend, Tom Nunan, who honored Wilson on Facebook, stating, “Wilson cherished life, and anyone who got close to him understood that a fine glass of red wine, a bit of weed, [his wife’s] cooking, and a Giants game came remarkably close to paradise for the beloved, culturally rich connoisseur.”

Born in New York City, Wilson served in the Korean War before returning to New York to study at NYU through the G.I. Bill. He dedicated his career to the entertainment industry, initially as a talent agent and producer, then as a TV programming executive at NBC, where he managed the TV movie department and later oversaw daytime and late-night programming. He collaborated with industry leaders like Fred Silverman and Brandon Tartikoff and played a role in discovering future filmmakers such as Ron Howard while supporting talented playwrights like Stanley Greenberg.

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After his tenure as a network executive, Wilson returned to producing under agreements with Fries Entertainment and Viacom, where he created several prominent TV movies.

He is perhaps best recognized for executive producing “The Missiles of October,” a 1974 ABC made-for-TV drama about the Cuban Missile Crisis, featuring William Devane as President John F. Kennedy and Martin Sheen as Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. Nunan noted that Wilson was also proud of his 1980 NBC TV movie “FDR: The Last Year,” starring Jason Robards.

A lifelong fan of the Giants, even after their relocation to San Francisco, Wilson was also an avid news and information enthusiast, often engaging in political debates during his retirement.

“He will be missed by many, but remembered by all who knew him as a truly wonderful person, a genuine character who always managed to treat you to lunch,” Nunan shared on Facebook. “As he would say, he was the King of the ‘Schnorrers.’ Look it up. It’s Yiddish, the language of giants.”

Wilson is survived by his wife of 46 years, Anne Carlucci, who was also a successful TV movie producer, along with their daughters Amy, Julie, and Kate.

Person: Irv Wilson, Jerry Lewis, Martin Sheen, Telly Savalas, Bruce Dern, Morgan Freeman, Tom Nunan, Fred Silverman, Brandon Tartikoff, Ron Howard, Stanley Greenberg, Kate Winslet, Andrew Singer, John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Jason Robards, Anne Carlucci, Amy, Julie, Kate

Company Names: NBC, Fries Entertainment, Viacom, Broadway Video, Lorne Michaels’ Company

Titles: The Missiles of October, FDR: The Last Year

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