Ron Koslow, the writer and producer who reimagined the classic fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’ for television, has died at the age of 81, states The Hollywood Reporter.
Koslow died on 7 October at his home in Brentwood, California, his family confirmed. He was best known for creating the CBS fantasy drama series starring Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman, which aired from 1987 to 1990 and developed a devoted following. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The television series offered a contemporary take on the familiar fairy tale, building a story around love, compassion and the humanity that exists beyond outward appearances.
Set in a fantastical underground community beneath New York City, it centred on the relationship between Catherine Chandler, played by Hamilton, and Vincent, portrayed by Perlman.
The series earned Koslow three Emmy nominations, including recognition for outstanding writing in a drama series. Its distinctive blend of fantasy, romance and drama helped establish it as a cult favourite, while its themes of acceptance and human connection gave the story an enduring appeal.
Born on 9 April 1945, Koslow was raised between St Louis, Missouri, and Los Angeles. He studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and UCLA film school before earning a law degree from Loyola Law School and joining the California Bar. Despite his legal training, he pursued a career in storytelling.
His Hollywood career began with the 1976 film ‘Lifeguard’, starring Sam Elliott. He later wrote ‘Firstborn’, starring Teri Garr and Peter Weller, and John Landis’ ‘Into the Night’, which featured Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Beyond ‘Beauty and the Beast’, Koslow worked on television projects including ‘My Life and Times’ and ‘Roar’. He also co-created the supernatural drama ‘Moonlight’ and served as an executive producer on ‘Birds of Prey’.
His original ‘Beauty and the Beast’ series also provided the foundation for the CW’s later adaptation, which premiered in 2012.
In a statement, Koslow’s family remembered him as a storyteller whose imagination and work explored the complexities of human relationships, the transformative power of love and the possibilities of worlds beyond our own.
They also highlighted his generosity, thoughtfulness and the lasting relationships he built throughout his life.
Koslow is survived by his sister, Judy, brother-in-law Stefan and nieces Jenna and Lily. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sammye and Dave, and his brothers, Bobby and Ken.
