Gary Smith (television producer)

Gary Smith
Born(1935-01-07)January 7, 1935
DiedJuly 19, 2025(2025-07-19) (aged 90)
OccupationsTelevision producer, director, writer, art director
Known forSmith–Hemion Productions

Gary Smith (January 8, 1935 – July 19, 2025) was an American television producer, director, writer, and art director. As a partner in the television production company Smith–Hemion, with TV Director Dwight Hemion, Smith produced many distinguished specials and events. The team won a total of 24 Emmy Awards.

Career

A graduate of Carnegie Tech's Theatre Department with a degree in Scenic Design, Gary Smith became the producer of The Judy Garland Show in 1963.[1]

Smith served as Executive Producer of six Tony Awards telecasts from 1993 through 1997, as well as the 55th, 56th and 57th Annual Tony Awards[2] and the two most recent Emmy Awards during his tenure. He was responsible for the production of the Democratic National Convention in 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000; Baryshnikov on Broadway; an adaptation of Peter Pan starring Mia Farrow and Danny Kaye; four years of the Emmy Awards; three years of the People's Choice Awards; and five years of the AFI "100 Years" specials.

He produced ABC's 24-Hour Millennium coverage; Command Performances for the Queen of England; and television specials for Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti, the Apollo Theatre, Woody Allen, and Radio City Music Hall. He produced President Reagan's Inaugural Gala in 1985 and President Clinton's in 1993 and 1997.

Smith was Executive Producer for most of Barbra Streisand's specials, including the May 2, 2001 telecast of her AFI Life Achievement Award, as well as the AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Tom Hanks, the I Love Lucy 50th Anniversary, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show Reunion.

In 2003, he served as Executive Producer on 100 Years of Hope and Humor, which honored Bob Hope's 100th birthday. In 2009, he produced the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympic World Winter Games held in Boise, Idaho.

Death

Smith died on July 19, 2025 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 90 years old.[3][4][5]

Legacy and recognition

Gary Smith was recognized throughout his career with numerous accolades, particularly from the Television Academy, earning over 30 Emmy nominations and multiple wins.[6]

Personal life

Smith was married to his wife, Maxine, with whom he had two children. He had three other children from a previous marriage.[7]

References

  1. ^ "Emmy-Winning Old Hollywood Production Trailblazer Dies at Age 90". MSN. Retrieved 2025-07-21.
  2. ^ "Gary Smith: Producer Extraordinaire". Carnegie Mellon Magazine. Carnegie Mellon University. Retrieved 2025-07-20.
  3. ^ "Gary Smith, TV Specials and Live Events Producer, Dies at 90". The Hollywood Reporter. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 2025-07-21.
  4. ^ "Gary Smith, TV Producer Who Put a Spotlight on Stars, Dies at 90". The New York Times. 25 July 2025. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  5. ^ "Gary Smith Dead: Producer of TV Specials was 90". Variety. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 2025-07-21.
  6. ^ "Gary Smith – Emmy Awards". Television Academy. Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  7. ^ "Gary Smith Dies: Eight-Time Emmy-Winning Producer Of TV Specials & Awards Shows Was 90". DeadlineDwight Hemion. 21 July 2025. Retrieved 2025-07-21.

Further reading

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