David Susskind

David Howard Susskind (December 19, 1920 – February 22, 1987) was an American producer of TV, movies, and stage plays, as well as a TV talk show host. Born to a Jewish family in Manhattan, Susskind grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Harvard University, graduating with honors in 1942. Susskind served in the Navy during World War II, seeing action at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, he worked as a press agent for Warner Brothers and later as a talent agent for Century Artists. In New York, Susskind formed Talent Associates, producing successful TV shows and hosting innovative talk shows that tackled controversial topics.