Emerson impact on TV history displayed

Iwasaki Library Executive Director Robert Fleming has created an artful display in the Little Building devoted to Emerson alumni who made major inroads in American television. The display is on view now through May.

Kevin Bright ’76, who was the executive producer of the TV series Friends, provided inspiration for the display—giving Fleming videotapes; scripts; the clapper used in the final episode; and bobbleheads that never reached production of characters Ross, Chandler, Joey, Monica, Phoebe, and Rachel.

While Bright had more than enough material to fill the entire window on his own, he and Fleming decided to feature several other alumni who produced groundbreaking TV shows.

Max Mutchnick ’87, co-creator and executive producer of Will & Grace, lent behind-the-scenes photographs and an all-access backstage pass.

Denis Leary ’79, co-creator and star of Rescue Me, sent press materials, photographs, and an autographed script of the show.

Other items in the display came from Vin Di Bona ’66, executive producer of America’s Funniest Home Videos, who contributed a sampling of video submissions; and Norman Lear ’44, executive producer of All in the Family, who provided the script from the first episode.