In a significant development within the entertainment industry, Universal Television's casting head, Beth Klein, is set to bid farewell and retire at the end of the year. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, Klein has left an indelible mark on the studio.

A Trailblazer's Farewell in the Television World

Early Years at Universal Television

Klein first joined UTV in 2011 and since then, she has been at the forefront of shaping the television landscape. Her work has led to an increased representation in front of the camera, as seen in projects like Jason Katims’ “As We See It,” which focused on three roommates on the autism spectrum, and David Schulner’s “New Amsterdam,” where characters were often portrayed by actors living with the actual illnesses featured in the storylines. Some of her first projects at the studio included Dick Wolff’s “Chicago Fire” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” laying the foundation for her successful tenure.During her time at Universal Television, Klein has spearheaded casting for an impressive array of shows. Over 40 primetime comedies and dramas are currently produced across various platforms, and Klein has played a crucial role in the success of many of these. She has been instrumental in the creation of “StandUp NBC,” where diverse stand-up comedians across the country competed for a talent-holding deal. Additionally, she worked closely with NBCUniversal’s Launch Talent and Casting Assistant program, which develops aspiring episodic casting directors during a ten-month paid pipeline initiative.

Peabody and Emmy Awards

UTV under Klein's leadership has achieved remarkable feats in the award arena. Since joining the studio, she has spearheaded casting for four Peabody Award-winning series and 20 Emmy-winning series. One of the notable successes is “Hacks,” which won the top comedy prize at the 76th Annual Emmy Awards. Her oversight extends to a wide range of recent projects under her purview, including the “Law & Order,” “One Chicago” and “FBI”-branded series, “The Gilded Age,” “Loot,” “Schmigadoon!,” “Girls5eva,” “Bel-Air,” “Never Have I Ever” and “The Best Man: The Final Chapters.” She also played a key role in casting NBC’s live musicals, such as “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” “Hairspray” and “The Sound of Music.”

Pre-UTV Career at Showtime

Prior to joining UTV, Klein served in a similar capacity at Showtime and worked closely with current Universal Studio Group chairman Pearlena Igbokwe. At Showtime, she oversaw casting for a diverse range of scripted series, including “The Big C,” “Dexter,” “Weeds,” “The Borgias,” “The Tudors,” “Queer as Folk,” “The L-Word,” “Nurse Jackie,” “United States of Tara,” “Episodes,” “Shameless” and “Californication.” In addition to that, she managed more than 30 made-for-television movies and the pilots for “House of Lies” and “Homeland.” For over 23 years, Klein was in charge of casting for Showtime while also working for other divisions of CBS/Viacom, including Viacom Prods., where she oversaw casting for series like “Ed” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”Klein's departure is a bittersweet moment for all at Universal Television. As Universal Television president Erin Underhill said, “While we’re sad not to have Beth’s incredible touch on our projects, we’re happy for her new chapter. Her legacy will live on in the shows she championed and the future generations for whom she paved a path. We are incredibly appreciative of all her contributions, especially the care and compassion she put into overseeing casting every role.”