Renowned producer Robert L. Boyett, celebrated for his significant contributions to both television and Broadway, will be honoured with a caricature at Sardi’s Restaurant in New York. The unveiling ceremony will take place on Thursday, 10th October at 4:00 pm, recognising Boyett’s exceptional career spanning decades. This announcement was made by The Press Room earlier today.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Boyett pursued his academic career at Duke University, earning a B.A., followed by a master’s degree from Columbia University. His professional journey began at ABC Television in New York, where he initially served as Vice President of Prime-Time Development. Later, he relocated to Los Angeles to take on the role of Vice President of Programming for ABC.
During his time at ABC, Boyett became known for developing and overseeing several hit television shows. After leaving the network, he pursued an independent career as a television and film producer. Over the years, he accumulated more than 1,600 television episodes to his name. His impressive list of productions includes iconic American series such as Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, Bosom Buddies, The Hogan Family, Perfect Strangers, Full House, Family Matters, and many more. These shows became cultural staples, cementing Boyett’s legacy as one of the most successful and beloved figures in television history.
After 25 years with Paramount and Warner Brothers, Boyett returned to New York and turned his attention to producing for Broadway. Since 2001, his work on Broadway has been nothing short of prolific, with credits for 127 shows to date. He has also received 12 Tony Awards, a testament to his impact on the theatre world. Some of his award-winning productions include The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?, Glengarry Glen Ross, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The History Boys, Journey’s End, The Coast of Utopia, Boeing-Boeing, South Pacific, War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Dear Evan Hansen, and Company.
Boyett’s commitment to theatre extends beyond Broadway, having developed a decade-long relationship with the National Theatre of Great Britain, producing all its Broadway shows during that time. In recognition of his contributions to British theatre, Boyett was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth for his services to drama.
This Broadway season, Boyett’s productions include Sunset Blvd., The Hills of California, BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical, Tammy Faye, Left on Tenth, The Roommate, Once Upon a Mattress, and Oh, Mary!. His remarkable track record has established him as a vital force in the theatre community.
Boyett’s caricature will join the gallery of famous figures immortalised at Sardi’s, a long-standing tradition in honour of entertainment industry legends. Several friends and collaborators will attend the ceremony, including Tony Award-winning writer Robert Horn and actor Christopher Sieber, who starred in Boyett’s Broadway productions Spamalot and Company. Sieber also appeared in Boyett’s television series Two of a Kind.
This event will celebrate not only Boyett’s distinguished career but also his lasting influence on the world of entertainment, both in the United States and internationally.