Lew Klein, a pioneering Philadelphia television producer whose broadcasting career spanned more than six decades, died at age 91 on Wednesday.
In the 1950s, Klein served as executive producer of American Bandstand, the popular music-performance and dance television program. The Dick Clark-hosted show helped shape mainstream American popular culture throughout its decades-long run.
He also helped develop 6ABC’s Action News format in 1970.
A graduate of Temple University, Klein began teaching there in 1952. He continued instructing students at the university for 67 years. In 2017, the university’s school of media and communication was renamed the Klein College of Media and Communication in his honor.
Tributes from many, including Klein College Dean David Boardman, poured in through television and social media.
A profound loss for @TempleUniv, @TUKleincollege, Philadelphia and the broadcast industry. https://t.co/n52plB6qg4
— David Boardman (@dlboardman) June 13, 2019
“Lew was a caring and thoughtful member of the Temple family, and we all mourn his loss,” said Temple University president Richard Englert in a statement.
Klein is survived by his beloved wife, Janet, two children, Ellen and Stephen, granddaughter Anna (and her husband, John) and his great-grandchildren Oscar and Miriam.
Former Temple Update reporter and producer Cassie Semyon produced Trailblazer: the Lew Klein Story, a biographical documentary on Klein’s life, for TUTV in 2017.
Watch it Here:
Additional stories highlighting Lew Klein’s legacy:
‣ TUTV Presents: A Conversation with Lew Klein
‣ Temple Update covers Klein College Renaming
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