Born in New York City. Took his first television position with Screen Gems in Los Angeles immediately following his graduation from the University of Virginia. At Screen Gems, one of Hollywood's most active television production companies, he worked as an associate producer and director of "The Farmer's Daughter" and "Occasional Wife." In 1971, Witt produced the enormously successful and influential -- and Emmy winning -- made-for-television movie, "Brian's Song." On that project he worked for the first time with his future partner, Tony Thomas. He then assumed producer-director duties on "The Partridge Family. " In 1971 he moved on to become a producer with Spelling-Goldberg Productions where he was involved in several films. A year later, he joined Danny Thomas Productions as president, serving as executive producer of five movies for television and two series, including "Fay," which was created and written by Susan Harris, whom he would marry in 1983. In 1975, Witt joined with Tony Thomas, son of the legendary comedian Danny Thomas, to form Witt-Thomas Productions and a year later the two men teamed up with Susan Harris to form Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions. Their first venture, "Soap," was both a critical and popular success, although it was roundly attacked by religious and cultural conservatives. Witt found the criticisms particularly disturbing since no one in the groups making the attacks had ever seen the series. Yet several ABC affiliates responded to the critiques and either refused to air "Soap" or relegated it to late hours. It is Witt's belief that the unfair depictions of the show by those bent upon removing it from the air continued to have a chilling effect on advertisers for all the remaining years the program was on ABC. A unique television event, "Soap" set in motion a long string of major television hits for the three partners including "Benson," "The Golden Girls," and "Empty Nest." Of these series "Soap" and "Golden Girls" reflected a continuing emphasis on strong female characters. The company also produced at least five other shows with modest success that focused upon women. In addition Witt/Thomas produced "Beauty and the Beast," "Blossom," and "The John Larroquette Show. " The huge success of the company solidified Witt/Thomas/Harris as a powerful force in the television industry. Witt observed that their reputation gives them significant access to network time slots. In 1984 Witt/Thomas began production of feature films with FIRSTBORN (1984), DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989), and FINAL ANALYSIS (1992). -- Robert S. Alley Other feature film producing credits include MIXED NUTS (1994), THREE KINGS (1999) and INSOMNIA (2002). Witt is a member of the USC School of Cinema-Television's Television Executive Advisory Council and sits on the School's Board of Councillors.  Nominated for Best Picture of the Year 1989: DEAD POETS SOCIETY - Producer at Touchstone/Silver Screen Partners IV (w. Steven Haft & Tony Thomas) 1 nomination