Charles D. McGregor, a veteran film and television executive, died Nov. 16 at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 84.
McGregor served as president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution for more than 20 of his 27 years with that company, where, through acquisitions, he helped bring to television such programs as the landmark miniseries Roots (1977) and The Thorn Birds (1983).
McGregor began his career as a song-plugger (a piano player employed by music stores to promote and help sell new sheet music) who helped persuade Nat King Cole to record “Smile” in 1954. He produced several network series in the early days of television and co-founded Banner Films, which distributed Tarzan movies, among others, around the world.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Rita; his son Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Angela; and his daughter Joan and her daughter Poppy. At his request, there will be no service.
