On Saturday, Gary Smith, a renowned eight-time Emmy winner and producer of various Tony Awards shows, Emmy telecasts, and TV specials for artists such as Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, and Burt Bacharach, passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 90. This news was announced by his publicist.
As part of the Smith-Hemion production duo, formed with Dwight Hemion in the early ’70s, Smith contributed artistry, novel ideas, and sophistication to a TV era that cherished variety shows, grand spectacles, and lasting memories. His work ranged from intimate musical performances to significant national events, leaving a lasting impact on viewers spanning generations.
Working alongside Dwight Hemion as half of the Smith-Hemion production team in the early 1970s, Smith injected artistry, innovation, and refinement into the variety TV era, which valued grand spectacles, memorable moments, and diversity. From intimate musical performances to large-scale national events, his impact resonated with audiences across generations.
Smith was responsible for creating the first TV specials for Paul McCartney (the 1973 production titled James Paul McCartney) and Bette Midler (1977’s Ol’ Red Hair Is Back). He also oversaw the final televised performances of Elvis Presley (Elvis in Concert, 1977) and Bing Crosby (the 1977 Christmas special, Merrie Olde Christmas)).
He functioned as the executive producer for the AFI Life Achievement Award honors dedicated to Streisand and Tom Hanks, and his contributions to the AFI’s well-known “100 Years…” movie series continued for an impressive span of 11 years.
Growing up in 1935, I graduated from Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) with a degree in scenic design under my belt. In 1956, I dipped my toes into the world of show business at CBS, starting as an art director. While working as an art director on The Judy Garland Show, I was unexpectedly offered the producer role – a challenge that came at just 27 years old, which I later referred to as a ‘baptism by fire’.
Back in 1965-66, I had the pleasure of creating Hullabaloo, the NBC music variety show that gave us some unforgettable performances. Bands like The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Who, Simon & Garfunkel, and Sonny & Cher graced our stage with their incredible talents!
Between 1970 and 1974, he oversaw eight Bacharach specials and generated Streisand specials in both 1973 and 2009. In the year 1973, he directed a Peter Pan film for NBC that featured Mia Farrow and Danny Kaye.
His inheritance encompassed special episodes for shows like “I Love Lucy” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” as well as programs graced by the presence of notable figures such as Frank Sinatra, Woody Allen, Ann-Margret, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gormé, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Luciano Pavarotti, Bob Hope, Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, and Dolly Parton.
Smith created programming for the 25th anniversary of Disneyland in 1980, the opening of EPCOT in 1982, Liberty Weekend, a celebration marking the restoration of the Statue of Liberty in 1986, as well as Democratic National Conventions held in 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000, and inaugural events for Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.
Over the span of six decades, Smith amassed over 30 Emmy nominations, and his collaboration with Smith-Hemion resulted in a total of 24 Emmy awards.
Smith spent 12 years as the catcher in the Hollywood Celebrity Baseball Game at Dodger Stadium, and in 2002, Carnegie Mellon bestowed upon him their esteemed Life Achievement Award – an accolade held by only three other drama graduates over a period of more than half a century.
Among those who carry on are his wife Maxine, a creative soul encompassing both interior design and artistry; his offspring, Daisy, Doug, Sam, and twins Jake and Zack; his adorable grandchildren, Spencer, Jasper, Sienna, Ryan, and Charlotte; and the wonderful women who are wives to his sons, Brett and Leah.
A private funeral ceremony is scheduled for next Tuesday. Following this, there will be a public memorial service and a life celebration event on September 20th. Instead of sending flowers, consider making donations in his honor to SHARE Inc., a charitable organization based in Beverly Hills that assists children with special needs.
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2025-07-21 20:54