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In 2007, Sam Haskell III earned recognition as one of the “25 Most Innovative and Influential People in Television of the Last 25 Years” by Television Week Magazine.
During his 27-year career at the William Morris Agency, Haskell became one of the industry’s most powerful agents and dealmakers.
Originally from Amory, Mississippi, Haskell started his career in the renowned agency’s mailroom in 1978, as chronicled in David Rensin’s “The Mailroom: Hollywood History from the Bottom Up.”
Promoted to agent in the TV Variety Department in 1980, Haskell packaged specials featuring stars like Lily Tomlin, Lynda Carter, Debbie Allen, David Frost, and Diana Ross.
Haskell became the youngest Senior Vice President in 1990, later serving as West Coast Head of Television and Executive Vice President.
In 1999, Haskell was appointed Worldwide Head of Television at William Morris Agency.
Haskell played a key role in packaging successful network projects, including hits like “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” “Mad About You,” “Lost,” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
Clients during Haskell’s tenure included Kathie Lee Gifford, Ray Romano, Whoopi Goldberg, George Clooney, and His Royal Highness The Prince Edward.
Haskell’s reputation for honesty, integrity, and fairness made him a respected figure in Hollywood, earning him the moniker “the nice guy in Hollywood.”
As an executive producer of “Mississippi Rising,” Haskell helped raise over $30 million for Hurricane Katrina victims.
Haskell serves as Chairman of the Mary Kirkpatrick Haskell Scholarship Foundation, organizing benefit concerts that raised millions for college scholarship funds.
Since 2012, Haskell has run Magnolia Hill Productions with partner Dolly Parton, producing successful television movies like “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” and “Dolly Parton’s Christmas Of Many Colors – Circle of Love.”
Haskell produced multiple projects for Netflix, including the anthology series “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings.”
The “Heartstrings” episode, “These Old Bones,” won the Movieguide Faith & Freedom Award and a Christopher Award.
Haskell’s work on “Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square” earned him the 2021 Emmy Award for Best Television Movie.
Haskell produced “The Waltons’ Homecoming,” a remake of “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story” airing on The CW during the 2021 Holiday Season.
Sam Haskell is married to Mary Donnelly Haskell, a former Miss Mississippi, and they have two children and three grandchildren.
Haskell’s 12th movie with Dolly Parton, “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas,” premiered in December 2022 and became the most-watched movie telecast on linear TV in 2022.
For his work on “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas,” Haskell received his fourth Emmy Nomination for Best Television Movie.
In total, Haskell has garnered six Emmy Nominations and two Emmy wins for Magnolia Hill Productions.
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In 2023, Sam Haskell III’s son, Samuel Haskell, faces three murder charges after the discovery of a dismembered torso, believed to be his missing wife Mei Li Haskell, and her parents, Gaoshan Li and Yanxiang Wan.
Prosecutors allege that Haskell hired day laborers to remove trash bags from his home a day after the murders, paying them $500 to dispose of what he claimed were rocks.
Day laborers reported finding soft and soggy bags containing “body parts” and a “belly button,” leading them to return the bags and money to Haskell.
Haskell dismissed the gruesome discovery as Halloween props when confronted by the day laborers.
On Nov. 8th 2023, the LAPD discovered evidence of a crime, including blood, at Haskell’s home, eventually leading to his arrest at Westfield Topanga mall.
Haskell III, the suspect’s father, is an Emmy-winning producer and former executive vice president of William Morris Endeavor.
Haskell III represented prominent clients like George Clooney, Ray Romano, Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Debbie Allen during his 27 years at the agency.
Haskell III resigned from the Miss America Organization in 2017 following the exposure of misogynistic comments in published emails.
Samuel Haskell IV, the suspected murderer, is Haskell III’s son and shares two children with his wife Mary Donnelly Haskell.
Haskell IV appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court for a bond hearing on Nov. 13, where he was ordered to be held without bail.
The judge allowed a photographer in court but prohibited photos of Haskell’s face.
Haskell’s arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 8, and he faces the death penalty if convicted.
Authorities are searching for Mei Li’s missing parents and two vehicles connected to the case: a white Volkswagen Tiguan and a white 2014 Nissan Pathfinder.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore confirmed an internal investigation into whether officers turned away the day laborers who tried to report the disposal of human remains.
Concerns have been raised about the decision to direct the day laborers to call 911 instead of involving other available channels for immediate assistance.
Haskell’s arrest and the investigation into the murders have shocked the community, raising questions about the events leading up to the tragic discovery in the dumpster.
Friends and neighbors express disbelief and sorrow over the heinous crime, emphasizing the need for justice to prevail for Mei Li Haskell and her parents.
The case underscores the complexities of criminal investigations, with the LAPD urging anyone with information to contact the Robbery-Homicide Division.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Haskell’s family grapples with the profound tragedy, facing the potential consequences of a conviction that could include the death penalty.
The LAPD’s commitment to a thorough investigation and accountability is underscored by Chief Michel Moore’s acknowledgment of concerns and the launch of an internal inquiry into police actions at the Topanga Station.