Klugman, NBC Universal settle 'Quincy' profits lawsuit

By Matthew Belloni

Actor Jack Klugman has resolved his multi-million dollar lawsuit against NBC Universal over profits from the classic drama "Quincy, M.E." 

Terms were not disclosed, and Klugman's lawyer Neville Johnson tells us only that "the issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of both sides and the lawsuit has been dismissed." NBCU did not respond to a request for comment. 

Klugman, 88, filed suit last August seeking unpaid royalties from the hit 1976-83 series, in which he starred as Dr. R. Quincy. He claimed his deal with NBC entitled him to a quarter of the show's net profits but he wasn't receiving accounting statements. When his requests to see his contracts were turned down by NBCU lawyers, Johnson filed suit in March 2008 to get the documents. NBCU then turned over statements for 1998-2006 and the actor sued for breach of contract, declaratory relief and accounting.

Some interesting allegations in the lawsuit: Klugman claimed his accounting statements showed "Quincy" had generated more than $242 million in gross receipts during its run but NBC had reported a $66.4 million loss on the show; during the '98-'06 time period, the show's gross receipts were allegedly $40.8 million but net losses were $16.5 million.

It would have been interesting to see these issues argued in court. But alas, settlement means everything will be kept quiet.