TV Industry Remembers Bob Broder at Heartfelt Memorial Service

A memorial service honoring esteemed television agent and executive Bob Broder took place on September 23, 2023, at Warner Bros. Studios. The gathering celebrated Broder’s legacy, marked by a blend of heartfelt tributes and humorous anecdotes about his influential career. Broder, who passed away from cancer at the age of 85, was known for his profound impact on the television industry.

Rabbi Steve Leder opened the event with a promise of both grief and laughter, which resonated throughout the ceremony. Attendees included prominent figures from the television sector, such as Chuck Lorre, head of Broder’s production company, and executives from Warner Bros. Television Group, including current president Channing Dungey and former president Peter Roth, who shared a warm moment during the service.

The event attracted a wide array of industry professionals, including CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach, FX President of Original Programming and his wife, Nat Geo EVP Carolyn Bernstein, as well as agents and managers who collaborated with Broder over the years. Notable speakers included Ted Danson, James Burrows, and Eddie Gorodetsky, who recounted their experiences and relationships with Broder.

Reflections on a Legendary Career

Broder was affectionately nicknamed “Darth Broder,” a testament to his tough negotiating style, and “TFB,” short for “That F*cking Broder,” a term of endearment among friends and colleagues. Lorre humorously recalled their 25-year partnership, stating, “If Bob were alive, he would have gotten me out of this,” referring to the challenges of delivering a poignant tribute.

Lorre highlighted Broder’s multifaceted character, describing him as “a wildly successful literary agent, good father, loving husband, trusted friend, tough but fair production executive, great skier, and a world-class poker player.” He also noted Broder’s unique inability to engage in casual conversation, often preferring to jump straight into business discussions.

Director James Burrows shared his first encounter with Broder during a challenging negotiation in 1972. Despite initial frustrations, Burrows acknowledged the invaluable guidance Broder provided throughout their partnership, which spanned nearly five decades. “He was a killer in the sweetest way,” Burrows said, capturing the duality of Broder’s nature as both a fierce negotiator and a cherished friend.

A Lasting Legacy

Broder’s contributions to the television landscape were further underscored by Les Charles, co-creator of the iconic series Cheers. Charles credited Broder with bringing together key players for the show, stating, “In a matter of speaking, Bob Broder was the creator of Cheers.” He also reminisced about Broder’s discovery of Ted Danson, whom Broder pitched for the role of Sam Malone after seeing him in Body Heat.

Danson reflected on Broder’s cameo in the final moments of Cheers, emphasizing the full-circle nature of Broder’s involvement in the series. As the memorial drew to a close, Danson poignantly expressed the sentiments of many present when he said, “Goodbye, Bob, thanks for everything; it was an honor to know you.”

The event was organized by Broder’s wife, Cindy, along with Trisha Cardoso and the Warner Bros. TV communications team. The accompanying program featured a quote from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar that encapsulated Broder’s impact: “His life was gentle, and the elements so mix’d in him, that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, ‘This was a man!’”

Broder’s legacy as a respected agent and beloved friend will continue to resonate within the entertainment community, leaving an indelible mark on those who had the privilege to work alongside him.