Wright Thrives in Second Act.(Michael Wright)(Biography)

Broadcasting & Cable, June, 2006 by Becker, Anne

By Anne Becker Thespian-turned-exec nurtures hit shows at TNT/TBS For Michael Wright, the road to being a TV executive began when his acting pursuits hit a dead end. Like CBS chief Leslie Moonves, whose management style Wright studied during eight years at CBS, the aspiring actor switched to a day job when he realized he wouldn't make it as a movie star.

"I was a good actor but not great, OK looking but not Hollywood good-looking, and my uncle wasn't a studio head," says the TNT/TBS senior VP of original programming. "I'd have these auditions in L.A. and see the producers and say, 'I want to be that guy.'" The Sacramento, Calif., native started acting at age 7 after winning a contest to star in a production of Oliver . He played in...

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