A pioneering force in television entertainment who helped shape the landscape of 1970s sitcoms has left an indelible mark on the industry.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sacks died Tuesday in New York due to complications from lymphoma.
His wife, talent agent Annette van Duren, confirmed that although he had been initially diagnosed 22 years ago and experienced periods of remission, the cancer eventually returned.
The Brooklyn native, born December 9, 1942, began his entertainment journey in ABC's research department after earning his master's degree in broadcasting from Brooklyn College. His move to Los Angeles in 1969 marked the beginning of a transformative career as a program executive at ABC.
Sacks's collaboration with stand-up comic Gabe Kaplan led to the creation of "Welcome Back, Kotter," which premiered in September 1975.
The sitcom featured Kaplan as witty teacher Gabe Kotter, leading a memorable cast including John Travolta as Vinnie Barbarino, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs as Freddie Washington, Robert Hegyes as Juan Epstein, and Ron Palillo as Arnold Horshack.
Before his breakout success with "Kotter," Sacks worked as a producer and production executive on "Chico and the Man," starring Freddie Prinze. The show ran for four successful seasons, producing 95 episodes before concluding in May 1979.
His contribution to television extended beyond sitcoms, as he produced several notable made-for-television movies throughout the 1980s, including "Women at West Point" and "Rosie: The Rosemary Clooney Story."
In the 1980s, Sacks ventured into the punk rock scene, creating "Du-Beat-e-o" in 1984, which incorporated footage from The Runaways and featured Joan Jett. His 1986 skateboarding film "Thrashin'" marked the first movie appearance of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
His later career saw significant success with Disney Channel, where he produced numerous projects, including the Emmy-winning "The Color of Friendship" in 2000. His work with the channel continued with "Camp Rock" and its sequel, featuring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers.
As a dedicated educator, Sacks shared his expertise at Los Angeles Valley College, teaching film, television, and broadcasting until his retirement in 2007. His commitment to storytelling continued until his final project, a podcast investigating the unsolved 1984 murder of his friend Peter Ivers.
Sacks's impact on entertainment spans multiple decades and genres, from groundbreaking sitcoms to youth-oriented content. His ability to identify and nurture talent while pushing creative boundaries established him as a versatile producer and creator.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Annette van Duren, daughters Samantha and Shannon, son Austin, and sister Jodi. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career that helped shape modern television and influenced countless entertainment professionals.
