‘Quincy ME’ sues NBC
- Published by David Knox
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Years before forensics became popularised through shows like CSI there was Quincy, M.E starring Jack Klugman.
A charismatic actor, Klugman inhabited the role for seven years from 1976 to 1983. But now he is suing NBC Universal on Friday, claiming the studio is lying about the show’s profits and owes him money.
His 1976 contract with NBC entitles him and his company, Sweater Productions, to 25 percent of the show’s “net profits,” according to the suit filed in Superior Court. Klugman, who also played in The Odd Couple, claims his copy of the contract was lost when his agent died, and NBC has refused to provide a copy.
The lawsuit aims to force NBC to divulge the contract and award Klugman attorneys’ fees. It also asks the court to clarify the terms of the agreement.
“I recently heard that they made $250 million and it’s still on TV in Germany. I don’t want their money. I want my money,” Klugman told The Associated Press. “I worked my tail off. I got up at four in the morning and stayed at the studio. I did rewrite, I edited.”
NBC provided Klugman with an accounting statement showing the series had lost $66 million through 2006, according to the suit. However, Klugman said he believes NBC is lying, and that it made money.
Source: Associated Press
One Response
How can a show that’s been in the can for 20+ years lose the rights holder 60 million dollars in the interim. That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. While I doubt the show is earning 250 million a year, it’s on constant rotation on TV1 here and I expect just about every other english speaking market has a regular line to good doc.
I guess Klugman is Quincy after all – fight the power!