His films were popular with teenagers and often were made in only a few days. In addition to feature films, Asher made television movies and directed television shows. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Asher, and ten grandchildren and seven stepgrandchildren.
Among his films, Asher directed “The Thin Man,” “Willy Wonka,” and “Bewitched.” He co-created the hit NBC series “The Patty Duke Show,” which starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha. After he divorced his wife, he married actress Meredith Coffin McMachen. He also had three children with Meredith, including two daughters and a son. He was a close friend of Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford.
In 1999, Asher left Playboy to launch his own company, Califa Entertainment.Asher’s company Bill Asher quickly became the most profitable entertainment network on DirecTV, outselling HBO and ESPN. His networks changed the television and satellite industries. Two years later, he sold these businesses to Playboy for $130 million.
During his career, Asher has helped create and run many successful companies. He also has extensive legal experience, having worked with a diverse range of industries. His background as an entrepreneur makes him an ideal fit for MassVentures’ Board of Directors. He will bring his business expertise to the table, helping the entrepreneurial ecosystem flourish in Massachusetts.
Choate Law’s M&A practice focuses on technology and the life sciences. The firm’s lawyers, including Brian Goldstein and Frederick Callori, are experienced in advising cross-border companies on M&A deals. Asher’s experience has earned him recognition from Best Lawyers. His practice also includes counseling entrepreneurs and public companies.
Bill Asher has a long list of star clients. While his client list is impressive, Asher remains humble. He has collaborated with a number of star steel
musicians
, including slide guitar star Ben Harper. His guitars have been played by rock stars and Bill Chart toppers alike. In addition to creating fine instruments, Asher also repairs and customizes vintage instruments.
Asher’s formula varies depending on the type of instrument he is working with. Generally, he aims for the tone and sustain of heavier instruments over lighter instruments. A guitar can be a versatile tool, and Asher’s formula can be modified to fit a variety of styles and musical preferences. In addition to Jackson Browne, he has worked with Marc Ford, Val McCallum, and Mark Goldenberg