Tony Barr, 81; TV Executive Founded Actors Workshop

Tony Barr, 81, a network television executive who began as an actor and then became a respected acting coach and founder of Film Actors Workshop, died Thursday in Palm Desert after a lingering illness.

After small roles in films and television programs in the 1950s, Barr became a vice president, first at ABC and then at CBS, where he headed the development of television series, mini-series and movies until 1987. In his capacity as executive producer for the network, he supervised such series as “Magnum, P.I.” and “Simon & Simon.”

In 1961, Barr also established the Film Actors Workshop, which is still functioning. Among the actors he trained were Jon Lovitz and Mike Farrell. In 1982, Barr published the book “Acting for the Camera,” which a Times reviewer called “a first-class book for the beginner and a refreshing review for any pro.”

Barr was a member of the Directors Guild of America, the Screen Actors Guild and the board of governors of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.