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From Couch Potato to Rising Star: Grant Gish '04

Grant Gish, the executive director of 20th Century Fox TV Animation, just received quite an accolade from an industry publication. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 2004 graduate of Washington and Lee is one of Next Gen 2012: Hollywood’s Fastest-Rising Stars.

In a brief yet detailed Q&A with the publication, Grant talks about his big break, which came after his stint as an NBC page; the documentary he produced, “Barbarian Days” (which was directed by another W&L alumnus, Damian Horan); and how he spends his time when he’s not at the office.

Grant’s resume includes work on the shows “Family Guy” and “The Cleveland Show,” as well as a post as manager of development for Good Humor TV and three years at NBC developing comedies. In addition, he developed the Fox hit “Bob’s Burgers” and helped sell IFC’s upcoming — and first — animated show, “Out There,” from “South Park’s” Ryan Quincy.

W&L cropped up when the reporter asked Grant, who holds a journalism degree, about his career inspiration: “I was always a massive couch potato, but I didn’t realize it could be a career until I got to Washington and Lee and was writing reviews for the paper.”

Hollywood Reporter’s Next Gen 2012 “the 50 superstars 35 and under who are moving up fast (and having fun) in film, TV, digital, law and news.” Grant was among 10 people recognized in the TV category.

You can read the entire Hollywood Reporter interview here.

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