Hal Ross, whose career in television as a talent and literary agent spanned nearly fifty years, died July 31, 2010. He was 86.

A native of Los Angeles, Ross attended Fairfax High School and UCLA before enlisting in the Army during World War II in 1943.

As a co-founder of the Ziegler-Ross Agency, Ross helped pioneer the television packaging business. He was one of the first agents to represent a major athlete when he negotiated former Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax’s deal with NBC Sports in 1967. Also, Ross packaged such television series as The Daniel Boone Show, Medical Center and M*A*S*H.

He remained a Ziegler-Ross partner until 1974, when he retired for the first time. He later joined the William Morris Agency as senior vice president, and remained until 1997.

In 2005 he produced the feature film version of The Honeymooners.

Apart from has show business pursuits, Ross was involved in a number of community activities. He served as president of the Los Angeles Convention Center Authority, was a trustee of the Otis Art Institute, a member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and a member of the Los Angeles County Beaches Commission. He was also a member of the Selective Service Commission.

Ross’ first wife, Eleanor Roth, died in 1977. In 1985, he married Marcia Rogers, who survives him. He is also survived by two sons, a stepson, a stepdaughter and five grandchildren.