Aaron Spelling Dead at 83

The world's most prolific TV producer has died at the age of 83

Famed Hollywood Producer Aaron Spelling died at the age of 83. He created Charlie's Angels, Dynasty (photo), and countless other programs over the last 50 years. Photo courtesy: ultimatedynasty.net

(LOS ANGELES) - Aaron Spelling, who produced such television hit programs as "Charlie's Angels," "Dynasty" and "Beverly Hills, 90210" has died, according to the Associated Press.

Spelling was 83.

Spelling's career started with the early TV Westerns. 50 years later, his name was linked to almost 200 television titles representing more than 4,200 hours of programming, earning him recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "most prolific" TV producer.

Spelling's programs made last-place ABC a network contender beginning with "The Mod Squad'' in 1968, and he became the network's largest program supplier under an exclusive pact. In the next decade, he delivered "The Rookies,'' "Starsky and Hutch," "The Love Boat" and "Hart to Hart" in addition to "Charlie's Angels" and "Fantasy Island," prompting wags to say that ABC stood for "Aaron's Broadcasting Company."

The ABC pact lasted 18 years, until new owners ended the relationship. Spelling then helped do the same for two newer networks. He delivered hit series for Fox Broadcasting in "90210" and "Melrose Place" in the 1990s, and he provided popular programming for the WB Network well into the next decade with "7th Heaven" and "Charmed."

Spelling leaves behind his wife Candy, and his acting children, Tori and Randy, and his brother Danny, who were tabloid favorites, along with his 56,500-square-foot mansion, which earned a second Guinness Book entry for the largest Hollywood home. Spelling said he and his wife built their dream house because they were both claustrophobic and seldom traveled because he refused to fly.