Charles D. McGregor dies at 84

TV executive Charles D. McGregor, who had been instrumental in getting landmark miniseries "Roots" to television, died November. 16 in Beverly Hillsides. He was 84. McGregor started within the entertainment business like a song plugger -- he convinced Nat King Cole to record "Smile" in 1954. In the past of television he created several network series. He co-founded television company Banner Films, which distributed the Tarzan movies, amongst others, all over the world. McGregor was leader of Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution in excess of 20 of his 27 years with this company there, through purchases, he introduced to television many significant programs, including "Roots" and "The Thorn Wild birds," each of which broadcast on ABC. He's made it by his wife of 54 years, Rita a boy along with a daughter Joan along with a daughter. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com