Executive producer Gary Nardino headed Paramount Studios' television division from 1977 to 1983 and oversaw the production of some of that era's most popular and acclaimed TV series, including Happy Days, Taxi, Family Ties, and Cheers. He was also behind the Emmy-winning miniseries Shogun (1989), Golda, and The Winds of War (1983). One of the things that made Nardino such a powerhouse was his belief in the quality of his series and his affection for the characters within them. At one point during Nardino's reign, Paramount produced more shows than any other American studio. Nardino was also occasionally involved in feature film production. He was production supervisor of one of Paramount's biggest hits of the early '80s, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) and he executive-produced Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984). Known by colleagues as a real showman, Nardino flaunted his wealth and power; his opulent Thursday-night poker games were legendary in Hollywood.
A native of Garfield, NJ, Nardino obtained a business degree from Seton Hall University before entering the entertainment world as an agent in 1959. In this capacity, he has managed companies like Lorimar Products, Granada Television, and Filmways, and individuals such as Dick Clark, Arthur Godfrey, David Frost, and Allan Funt. He subsequently moved on to become senior vice president of the New York TV department of ICM at the William Morris Agency. There, he packaged variety specials.
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