Craig Kellem Death: SNL’s First-Season Producer and George Carlin Agent Dies at 82

Craig Kellem has died at age 82. The former talent agent and television producer passed away on November 24. He died at an assisted living facility in Pennsylvania.

His career spanned pivotal moments in comedy and TV history. Kellem was a producer on the chaotic first season of *Saturday Night Live*. He also represented legendary comedian George Carlin early in his career.

Shaping Comedy History from SNL to The Rutles

Kellem served as a producer and talent coordinator for *SNL* in 1975-76. He worked alongside creator Lorne Michaels during that historic first year. According to The Hollywood Reporter, his daughter confirmed his passing.

He recalled the show’s rocky first night. George Carlin was the inaugural host. Kellem said they almost didn’t get on air due to a poor dress rehearsal.

He and Michaels later collaborated on *The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash*. That 1978 NBC mockumentary was co-created by Eric Idle. It parodied the history of The Beatles.

From Agent to Producer of Iconic TV Revivals

Kellem started as an agent at Creative Management Associates. He was known as the “Road Runner of Madison Avenue.” There, he signed George Carlin when others at his firm showed little interest.

He later moved into television production and development. Kellem became a senior vice president at The Arthur Company. This MCA-backed firm produced several syndicated revivals.

He co-executive produced *The Munsters Today* for two seasons. That show starred John Schuck and Lee Meriwether. It aired for three years total.

Kellem also helped launch *The New Dragnet* and *The New Adam-12*. Both syndicated series ran for two seasons in the early 1990s. His work extended to development roles at Universal and 20th Century Fox Television.

The entertainment industry loses a behind-the-scenes architect with the Craig Kellem death. His unique path from agent to producer helped shape iconic television moments that continue to resonate with audiences today.

Thought you’d like to know

Who was Craig Kellem?

Craig Kellem was a television producer and former talent agent. He is best known for working on the first season of *Saturday Night Live* and representing George Carlin. His career included producing TV revivals like *The Munsters Today*.

What was his role on Saturday Night Live?

He was a producer and talent coordinator for the show’s inaugural 1975-76 season. Kellem worked directly with Lorne Michaels during that chaotic first year. He was there for George Carlin’s historic first episode as host.

What other TV shows did he produce?

Beyond *SNL*, he produced the mockumentary *The Rutles* with Eric Idle. Kellem also executive produced syndicated revivals including *The Munsters Today*, *The New Dragnet*, and *The New Adam-12* in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

How did he work with George Carlin?

Kellem was Carlin’s agent early in the comedian’s career. He signed Carlin while at the General Amusement Corp. agency. Their professional relationship continued when Carlin hosted the first *SNL* episode.

What did he do after his producing career?

He founded a script-consultation company called Hollywoodscript.com in 1998. Kellem worked there with his daughter, Judy Hammett. Together, they also co-wrote a book about script consulting in 2018.