University community mourns death of film professor Chuck Berg

LAWRENCE — Charles “Chuck” Berg, a longtime University of Kansas professor of film and media studies, died July 26 in Lawrence. He was 75.

“Chuck Berg’s many contributions to our university spanned nearly four decades, during which he was able to share his love of film and music with countless students and colleagues,” said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. “On behalf of the university, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”

Berg joined the KU faculty in 1977 and became a force in the creation of film and media studies at KU, where his expertise extended to music, television and popular culture.

He taught a variety of courses in film-media history, theory, criticism and production. American film history and popular culture were his research and teaching focus.

“Many of his students who went on to influential careers in the film and media industries and in academia cite Chuck’s positive outlook and infectious goodwill as a motivating factor in their lives,” said Michael Baskett, associate professor and department chair.

Baskett described Berg as a supportive colleague who selflessly shared his time and energy with other faculty, staff and students.

“Chuck and his gracious wife and partner, Beth, were a dependable and caring team that nurtured the department through difficult times, leaving it a better place than they found it,” Baskett said. “We are all better people for having the chance to know Chuck and miss him sorely.”

Service details have not been announced.