Pioneering Video Exec Alfred Markim Dies at 88

1 Dec, 2015 By: Angelique Flores

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TV actor, award-winning producer and visionary video executive Alfred Markim passed away Nov. 24 at age 88, his family announced. 

As an actor, Markim is perhaps best known for his role as Astro in the popular 1950s TV series “Tom Corbett, Space Cadet.” His acting career spanned both the screen and stage, and he often co-hosted Jerry Lewis’ muscular dystrophy telethons.

Markim also produced a number of award-nominated movies, including The Fool Killer, The Pawnbroker and Boys of Summer.

In the home entertainment realm, Markim was a pioneer who helped bring movies into home theaters. In 1968, he co-founded the video duplication company Teletronics, which later became Video Corporation of America and merged into Technicolor. The company thereafter entered a partnership with Sony, creating the world’s first and largest videocassette duplicating center.

Markim was chairman of the International Tape Association and was inducted into the Video Hall of Fame in 1996. In retirement, he produced TV series “Second Half Strategies” and co-acted in local productions with his actress wife, Sondra.

In addition to Sondra, to whom he was married for 53 years, he leaves behind his children Nancy, Dan, Gary, Nina and Carla, and 11 grandchildren.

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