Emmy-Winning Producer Richard L. O’Connor Dies at 96

Richard L. O’Connor, an Emmy‑winning television producer and studio executive, died on July 22 in Palm Desert at the age of 96. He was known for overseeing production on films such as On Golden Pond, The Muppet Movie, Raise the Titanic, and for producing TV movies and series including A Mother’s Courage: The Mary Thomas Story, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and Fatal Vision.

Born in San Francisco on January 7, 1930, O’Connor and his twin brother Don served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War before O’Connor began his Hollywood career in the mailroom of CBS Television City. He rose to become an executive in charge of production in the 1970s and later produced a range of television projects. He spent his later years on the Mendocino Coast, where he was survived by his wife Brona, three daughters, stepchildren, grandchildren and great‑grandchildren.