E. Duke Vincent, an Emmy-winning TV producer, passed away on February 10 in Montecito, California at the age of 91. Vincent, along with Aaron Spelling, collaborated on an impressive array of television series, including popular shows like 'Dynasty,' 'Hotel,' 'Vegas,' 'Matt Houston,' 'The Colbys,' 'Beverly Hills 90210,' and 'Melrose Place.' Their partnership also extended to producing seven miniseries, such as 'Hollywood Wives' and 'Texas,' as well as 39 TV movies, including acclaimed works like 'Day One' and 'And the Band Played On.'
Together, Vincent and Spelling served as executive producers for Warner Bros. Network's enduring series 'Charmed' and '7th Heaven,' the network's most highly-rated and longest-running drama. Over his four-decade career in Hollywood, Vincent contributed to over 2,300 hours of programming, encompassing 1,600 hours of primetime content and 750 hours of daytime television.
Born Edward Ventimiglia on April 30, 1932, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Vincent was the only child of Margaret and Egizio Ventimiglia. After graduating from Seton Hall University, he pursued his passion for aviation by joining the Navy as a Naval aviator. Vincent achieved his dream of flying with the Blue Angels during the 1960-61 seasons before transitioning to a career in television.
His journey in the entertainment industry began in New York, where he worked on producing documentaries for RKO General and Seven Arts. Vincent's encounter with Danny Thomas and Sheldon Leonard, the executive producers of 'The Dick Van Dyke Show,' led to his involvement in various TV projects, including 'Good Morning World,' 'Gomer Pyle,' 'The Jim Nabors Hour,' 'Arnie,' and 'The Little People.'
Following his collaboration with Spelling starting in 1978, Vincent held the titles of executive producer and vice chairman of Spelling Television until his retirement. Post-retirement, he authored four novels: 'Mafia Summer,' 'Black Widow,' 'The Strip,' and 'The Camelot Conspiracy.'
E. Duke Vincent is survived by his wife, Pamela Hensley Vincent, as he leaves behind a lasting legacy in the television industry through his remarkable contributions and creative endeavors.
