RIP Douglas Netter

Tacoma Washington News Tribune

May 11, 2017

Douglas Netter, the science-fiction oriented TV chief who served as executive producer of "Babylon 5," died Wednesday, May 10, 2017, according to multiple news sources. Born in 1921, he was either 95 or 96.

"Babylon 5," the science fiction cable TV series created by the writer and producer J. Michael Straczynski, ran for five seasons starting in January 1994 on the Prime Time Entertainment Network and, for its final season on Turner Network Television. It starred Bruce Boxleitner. Michael O'Hare, and Claudia Christian, among others.

Netter also had producing credits in the film industry. He served as associate producer of "The Ambushers" (1967) that starred Dean Martin as secret agent Matt Helm, who is dispatched to recover a government-built UFO.

Eight years later, Netter produced "Mr. Ricco," also starring Martin, and in 1978 co-produced "The Wild Geese," a story about an African mercenary.

Between 1970 and 1975, Netter was the executive vice president and chief operating officer at MGM Studios.

While serving as executive producer for "Babylon 5," Netter founded the CGI special effects company Netter Digital. He served as its first CEO.

Bruce Boxleitner offered a tribute to Netter Wednesday on social media.

"I'm saddened by the news I received this morning about the passing of B5 executive producer Doug Netter," Boxleitner tweeted. "Always a gentleman,RIP.#Babylon5"

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NETTER, Douglas

Born: 1921 Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

Died: 5/10/2017, Tacoma, Washington, U.S.A.

Douglas Netter’s westerns – producer:

Buffalo Soldiers (TV) - 1979

The Sacketts – 1979

Wild Times – 1980

The Cherokee Trail – 1981

The Wild West - 1993

Siringo (TV) - 1995