Longtime King Executive Dies At 58

By: Dave Astor Ted Hannah, former director of advertising and public relations for King Features Syndicate, has died at his New York City home after a protracted illness. He was 58.

Hannah joined King in 1974 and, except for briefly leaving in 1980 to direct Omni magazine's publicity efforts, worked for the syndicate until taking early retirement in 1999. His behind-the-scenes efforts helped propel numerous cartoonists and columnists to prominence.

"Ted was instrumental in helping guide my career in all aspects -- newspapers, TV shows, and books," King columnist Heloise told E&P Online. "He taught me so much. And he was a close personal friend. I called him a 'southern New Yorker.' He was a New Yorker with a gracious southern touch."

Hannah was born in Mississippi, and started his career as a writer for the Jackson Daily News.