For the American poet, see Irwin Russell (poet).
Irwin Russell | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 24, 1926 |
| Died | August 23, 2013 |
| Education | Harvard Law School |
| Occupation | Entertainment lawyer |
Irwin E. Russell (January 24, 1926 - August 23, 2013) was an American entertainment lawyer, [1] whose clients included Dr. Seuss, Michael Eisner, Jim Henson, David Wolper, Christina Crawford and Robert Preston. [1] [2] [3] Russell was a leading attorney behind the 1984 takeover of The Walt Disney Company and the accession of Michael Eisner as the CEO of Disney. [1] Prior to this, Russell negotiated deals which brought Candid Camera to television and Jim Henson's Muppets to Sesame Street. [1] [2]
Russell was born on January 24, 1926. He received a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1949. [1] He worked in private practice in New York City. [1] Russell had also served on the National Wage Stabilization Board, based in Washington D.C. [1]
Russell moved to Los Angeles in 1971. [1] One of Russell's best known clients was Michael Eisner, whom he represented for more than forty years from Eisner's time at ABC, Paramount, and Disney. [1] He continued to represent Eisner at The Tornante Company until his death in August 2013. [1] In 1984, Russell negotiated the deal which brought Eisner to Disney as the company's CEO. [1] Irwin Russell then served on the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company. [1]
Irwin Russell died of complications from leukemia on August 23, 2013, at the age of 87. [1] His was survived by his wife, Suzanne. [2]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Hayden, Erik (2013-08-25). "Hollywood Attorney Irwin Russell Dies at 87". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2013-09-22.
- ^ a b c Miller, Daniel (2013-08-26). "Entertainment lawyer Irwin Russell dies at 87; represented Eisner, Henson". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2013-09-22.
- ^ Cunningham, Todd (2013-08-25). "Irwin Russell, Powerful Hollywood Attorney, Dead at 87". The Wrap. Retrieved 2013-09-22.