Irwin Russell

Irwin E. Russell (January 24, 1926 - August 23, 2013) was an American entertainment lawyer,[1] whose clients included Dr. Seuss, Michael Eisner, Jim Henson, David Wolper, Christina Crawford and Robert Preston.[1][2][3] Russell was a leading attorney behind the 1984 takeover of The Walt Disney Company and the accession of Michael Eisner as the CEO of Disney.[1] Prior to this, Russell negotiated deals which brought Candid Camera to television and Jim Henson's Muppets to Sesame Street.[1][2]

For the American poet, see Irwin Russell (poet).

Russell was born on January 24, 1926. He received a juris doctorate from Harvard Law School in 1949.[1] He worked in private practice in New York City.[1] Russell had also served on the National Wage Stabilization Board, based in Washington D.C.[1]

Russell moved to Los Angeles in 1971.[1] One of Russell's best known clients was Michael Eisner, whom he represented for more than forty years from Eisner's time at ABC, Paramount, and Disney.[1] He continued to represent Eisner at The Tornante Company until his death in August 2013.[1] In 1984, Russell negotiated the deal which brought Eisner to Disney as the company's CEO.[1] Irwin Russell then served on the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company.[1]

Irwin Russell died of complications from leukemia on August 23, 2013, at the age of 87.[1] His was survived by his wife, Suzanne.[2]