Richard S. Reisberg Dead: TV Executive At Viacom, MGM/UA & Lionsgate Was 86

Richard S. Reisberg, who held senior roles at Viacom Productions, UA TV, MGM/UA TV Productions and Lionsgate TV, passed away on September 23, 2026. His family confirmed the news to Deadline. He was 85.

After earning his law degree, Reisberg worked early on in business affairs at ABC, CBS and NBC and then Viacom International, where he rose to become Senior Vice President. In 1972, he was made President of Viacom Productions.

After Viacom, Reisberg held a string of senior roles: President of United Artists Television, President of MGM/UA Television Productions and President and Chief Operating Officer of Reeves Entertainment. His final industry position was President of Lionsgate Television.

He later became a mediator at JAMS and taught mediation at Pepperdine School of Law.

Reisberg is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Judy; his daughters, Jennifer Benson and Stephanie Silvera; his son-in-law, Justin Silvera; and his grandchildren, Oliver and Tyler Benson and Ella and Layla Silvera. His son-inlaw, David Benson, predeceased him.

Donations in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Los Angeles.

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