Peter Orton, founder and chairman of HIT Entertainment, passed away December 6 after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Orton began his career at what was then known as Children’s Television Workshop where, in partnership with Lou Horne

April 6, 2018

1 Min Read

Peter Orton, founder and chairman of HIT Entertainment, passed away December 6 after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Orton began his career at what was then known as Children’s Television Workshop where, in partnership with Lou Horne, he pioneered the “Sesame Street” co-production, a process that adapted the iconic children’s show to the cultural and linguistic demands of regions as diverse as Scandinavia, Mexico, and the Middle East.

It was at CTW that Orton formed a firm friendship with another unique television talent, Jim Henson, eventually leaving CTW to head up Henson International Television. Following Henson’s untimely death in 1990, Orton took over the existing business and founded the company today known as HIT.

Orton took HIT to the very top of the children’s television and licensing business. Developing iconic brands such as Bob the Builder, Barney, Pingu, and Angelina Ballerina.

Orton’s success was not confined to the kids’ arena. He and his wife, Sue, were both great National Hunt Racing Fans, and together bred many successful horses.

In addition to his wife, Orton leaves behind a son, James.

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