Michael Nesmith

Though immediately recognizable to television fans as the dryly humorous, wool cap-wearing Mike on "The Monkees" (NBC, 1966-69), Michael Nesmith eclipsed his brief tenure as a pop idol with an eclectic résumé of accomplishments, including being a country-rock pioneer, a leading figure in home video distributor and one of the primary, if uncredited forces behind the creation of MTV. Nesmith's quiet demeanor and love for traditional country seemed to stand in direct contrast to the antics of the Monkees' television show and their sunny pop music, though he would pen some of their biggest hits, including "Mary, Mary" and "The Girl I Knew Somewhere." After the group's demise, he established himself as a first-rate country-rock musician and songwriter while developing his own multimedia company, Pacific Arts. The organization would eventually develop a weekly music video series that would be purchased by Warner Cable and transformed into MTV in the early 1980s. Pacific Arts soon became a leader in home video production and distribution, while Nesmith dabbled in film production, novels and virtual live performances on the Internet. He largely resisted the rush of nostalgia that led to numerous Monkees reunions in the late '80s, and was well-regarded as a serious performer and entertainment figure.