Richard Dominick

multipleissues
citations missing = July 2008
wikify = July 2008

Richard Satchmo Dominick was the Executive Producer of NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution's The Steve Wilkos Show, which debuted in national syndication on September 10, 2007 and is heading into its second season. Dominick was also Executive Producer of The Jerry Springer Show

Biography

Early life and career

Dominick began his career as the artistic director of the New Jersey Public Theater. While there, he also created, wrote and performed in the Comedy Workshop, a group that innovated late night weekend comedy presentations. [ [http://www.stevewilkos.com/meet_richard.php The Steve Wilkos Show - Meet The Team - Richard Dominick ] ]

Journalism

His next career move was into journalism for The Weekly World News and The Sun where he reported on stories like "Toaster Possessed by the Devil' and "Howdy Dowdy Dummy comes alive and saves drowning boy." With his unique perspective, Dominick made seven appearances on Late Night with David Letterman to discuss his unusual assignments.

Transition to Television

Versed in writing, reporting and directing, Dominick soon made the transition into television with the Wilton North Report, a late night comedy program for Fox. Later, he served as a producer for House Party. Dominick was also the sole writer for ESPN's Sports Emmy Awards, broadcast live in May 1991 and hosted by Saturday Night Live alumni, comedian Dennis Miller.

Dominick also contributed comedy material as a freelance writer to Jay Leno. Other jobs have included writing for The Jenny Jones Show and serving as supervising producer of Not Just News, a syndicated Fox children's news program. Dominick has also made his mark as a freelance writer for such publications as The National Lampoon, Cracked Magazine and Penthouse where, on assignment in 1990, he traveled the entire United States in search of Elvis.

The Jerry Springer Show

In 1994, Dominick joined the Jerry Springer Show as the Executive Producer. He came in with the hope of creating a show that would be entertaining, even with the sound off. He encouraged the shows controversial themes and topics, which lead to the shows success. In 1998, Springer had made it to the top, knocking Oprah out of the top spot. This lead to him being named one of 1998's "Marketing 100" by Advertising Age magazine. He was quoted in Newsweek saying "If you want to save the whales, call Oprah. If you're dating a whale, call us."

The Springer Hustle

In 2006, Dominick teamed with VH1 to create a behind-the-scenes show, following the craziness that is the Jerry Springer Show. It debuted to good ratings, but was canceled after one season. Dominick dropped the show after finding it was too much on his heavy producing load.

The Steve Wilkos Show

In September 2007, former Springer bodyguard Steve Wilkos started his own show, taking on predators and bad parents. Richard Dominick was mainly responsible for the creation of the show and served as the show's Executive Producer for the first season.

Departure from Springer and Wilkos

On September 3, 2008, NBC-Universal announced that Richard had left both the Jerry Springer Show as well as the Steve Wilkos Show, to pursue other television offers as well as continue to grow his production company. Richard will concentrate full-time on running 'Richard Dominick Productions', where he will continue to produce his unique style of off-beat programming. Rumor claimed his sudden departure came after a disagreement with NBC over the direction of the two shows, but both Richard Dominick and NBC agreed the parting was due to his want to pursue his other interests which will force him to leave Chicago. He is also working on the novel he has been carrying around in his head for the past 20-years. Various chapters will appear on a website he will be launching shortly. Regarding the shows, Richard said, "The shows are in very capable hands and will remain successful. I got Jerry to his 18th year, launched Steve and got him to his second season. Eighteen years is an awfully long time. I needed to move on, I need to concentrate on my production company, I need to finish my novel. Besides, after 18 years on Springer, I found I was becoming sexually attracted to siamese twins and midgets." Richard remains very close to both Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos. Richard and Jerry are also neighbors on an island in Florida and spend much of their time together in the summer on Richard's boat.

References

External links

*imdb|0231587