Dean Hargrove, a distinguished American television producer, came into this world on July 27, 1938, in the picturesque town of Iola, Kansas. Following his graduation from high school, he was presented with a remarkable opportunity to embark on a career as a comedy writer. This chance encounter would ultimately pave the way for his outstanding achievements, including a nomination as an Emmy-nominated writer in 1962, during his time working on the iconic television show, The Bob Newhart Show, which premiered in 1961.
After the cancellation of The Bob Newhart Show, Hargrove embarked on a new creative journey, taking on writing duties for the popular family sitcom My Three Sons in 1963. He then went on to join the esteemed team of writers for the critically acclaimed spy series The Man from U.N.C.L.E. in 1964, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile writer.
In addition to his work on "U.N.C.L.E.", Hargrove made significant contributions to other notable projects, including the western drama series Jericho, which premiered in 1966, and the spin-off series The Girl from U.N.C.L.E., also produced by MGM Television and Norman Felton's Arena Productions in the same year.
Following the conclusion of the popular television series "U.N.C.L.E.", Robert Hargrove made a significant career transition, relocating to Universal Studios where he remained until the end of 1977.
Throughout his tenure at the renowned studio, Hargrove demonstrated his versatility and talent by penning scripts for a trio of notable television programs: "The Name of the Game" (1968),the critically acclaimed "Columbo" (1971),and the crime drama "McCoy" (1975).
In addition to his writing credits, Hargrove also lent his expertise to the production side of the business, overseeing the creation of several television shows, including the crime series "Madigan" (1972) and the family drama "The Family Holvak" (1975).
As a direct result of his tireless efforts and exceptional skill, Hargrove earned the distinction of becoming the highest-paid writer in the history of Universal Studios, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of television.
In the early 1970s, a pivotal moment in the career of a notable figure in the film industry unfolded, as Hargrove took the initiative to establish an independent film production company, aptly named Strathmore Productions, in the year 1972. This groundbreaking venture marked a significant turning point in his professional trajectory.
As the years progressed, Hargrove's creative endeavors continued to flourish, as he penned and directed the intriguing mystery film, The Manchu Eagle Murder Caper Mystery, in 1975. This notable achievement served as a testament to his skill and artistry as a filmmaker.
Following a five-year period, Hargrove made the decision to depart from Universal, and in 1978, he joined forces with Roland Kibbee to co-found the production company, Kibee/Hargrove Productions. This fruitful partnership yielded a string of successful projects, including the notable productions of Dear Detective (1979) and Snavely (1978).
It was the year 1980 when Kibee and Hargrove decided to go their separate ways, leading Hargrove to discontinue operations at his two production companies. Following this development, Hargrove made the decision to join forces with Henry Winkler's production company, Fair Dinkum Productions, where he was appointed to the position of president.
During his tenure at Fair Dinkum, Hargrove played a crucial role in overseeing the production of not one, but two notable projects. Firstly, he was involved in the production of the 1981 film Gabe and Walker, which was produced in collaboration with Paramount Pictures and ABC. Secondly, he also oversaw the production of the 1983 film Ryan's Four, another collaborative effort between Paramount and ABC.
Two years subsequent to his initial departure from Fair Dinkum, Hargrove made the decision to revive Strathmore Productions, transforming it into a television production company of significant stature.
As part of this revitalization, he entered into a contractual agreement with Warner Bros. Television, whereby he was entrusted with the responsibility of crafting a single script for an unsold pilot episode.
Although the pilot did not ultimately secure a spot on the airwaves, it was subsequently reworked and reimagined into an episode of the popular television series Scarecrow and Mrs. King, which premiered in the year 1983.
In addition to his work on Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Hargrove also served as producer on the television show Goldie and the Bears, which aired in 1985.
Throughout this period, he continued to demonstrate his versatility and expertise as a television writer and producer, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
In the year 1984, Strathmore Productions made a significant decision to part ways with Warner Bros. and instead opted to relocate to Viacom Productions, where Hargrove would go on to spend a notable period of three years, from 1977 to 1980. During his tenure at Viacom Productions, Hargrove demonstrated his versatility and range as a creative force, taking on the dual roles of writer and producer for a number of notable television projects.
One of his most notable collaborations during this period was the production of the telemovies "Me and Mom", which premiered in 1985 and was based on the iconic "Perry Mason" franchise. Hargrove's work on this project showcased his ability to adapt classic material for a new generation of audiences.
In the years that followed, Hargrove continued to work on a variety of successful television shows, including the popular detective series "Matlock", which debuted in 1986. His work on this show further solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile producer, and he went on to collaborate with fellow producers Fred Silverman and Joel Steiger on a number of projects.
These collaborations resulted in the creation of several other notable television shows, including "Jake and the Fatman", which premiered in 1987, and "Father Dowling Mysteries", which debuted in 1989. Hargrove's work on these shows demonstrated his ability to craft compelling stories and characters that resonated with audiences.
In addition to his work on these television shows, Hargrove also partnered with Silverman and Steiger on the production of the popular medical mystery series "Diagnosis Murder", which premiered in 1993. This show marked a significant milestone in Hargrove's career, as it showcased his ability to create complex and engaging storylines that combined elements of mystery, suspense, and humor.
Throughout his career, Hargrove has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt to changing trends and tastes in the entertainment industry, and his work on these television shows is a testament to his skill and versatility as a producer.
Notorious television producer, Hargrove, maintained a prolific career spanning several decades, with his professional journey coming to a close in 1997 when he transitioned to Columbia TriStar Television, a subsidiary of the renowned Sony corporation.
During his tenure at Sony/Columbia, Hargrove was responsible for overseeing the production of various television projects, including the critically acclaimed series "Tequila & Bonetti" in 2000, the teen-oriented drama "As If" in 2001, the supernatural drama "Sea of Souls" in 2004, and the horror anthology series "Demons" in 2009.
In 2002, Hargrove signed a lucrative deal with Hallmark Entertainment, a prominent television production company, and went on to work on a number of successful telemovies, including the "Murder 101", "Jane Doe", and "McBride" franchises. Eventually, Hargrove chose to venture out on his own, becoming an independent producer and continuing to make a lasting impact on the world of television.
