Live TV glasses performer American director Don Mischer died in 85.
Don Mischer, a 15th-time Emmy Award winner and Peabody Award winner, produced some of the biggest star-studded events on live TV – curating the opening ceremony of two Olympic Games, six Super Bowl halftimes and President Obama’s inaugural celebrations.
Michelle, considered one of the most talented directors and producers on a live TV show, died Friday in Los Angeles, according to his publicist Annett Wolf. He is 85 years old.
“Don is just iconic,” said Lesli Linka Glatter, president of the American Association of Directors, in a statement. “His mastery in guiding live events is a well-planned, fast-paced symphony, coupled with live decisions, elevates the largest cultural event in our country, always capturing the human spirit behind them. From the Oscars to the half-time show of the Super Bowl, to the opening ceremony of the Super Bowl, to the social customs in the political world, the promise of giving, these people’s interest is that these people’s attitudes and excitement are the ones that make their interest fiercely and compete effectively, and give emotion, and give emotion, and give lifelong memories of audiences around the world.”
From a modest upbringing in Southern Texas, Michelle became interested in live television while studying at the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, he later worked on the university’s public broadcast channel. He will continue to produce some of the most iconic television broadcasts in American history.
Among the most notable of Mischer’s live productions were Super Bowl halftime performances with Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty and, perhaps the most memorable of all-time, a rain-drenched performance by Prince in 2007. The 12-minute concert turned into a cinematic experience, featuring a breathtaking rendition of “Purple Rain” amid violence lighting and an unexpected downpour.
Mischer served as the host behind Hollywood’s most famous event, as executive producer of Primetime Emmy Awards and director of Academy Awards. In 2014, he won star honors on his Hollywood Celebrity Journey.
Michelle also posted some historic live broadcasts on the political stage, including the inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009, including performances by Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen.
The moment before a blockbuster TV Prime Minister aired (others might find anxiety), Michelle said he found peace.
“There’s nothing like the feeling of the clock ticking on the truck and then suddenly it’s time for everyone to be quiet,” he said, telling the Los Angeles Times in 2010. “That was my time of peace.”
Mischer survived by his wife Suzan. Four children, Heather, Jennifer, Charlie and Lily; and two grandchildren, Everly and Tallulah.
