Marty Callner, Director of Iconic Music Videos, Concert Specials and Stand-Up Shows, Dies at 78

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12-time Emmy nominee Marty Callner, renowned for producing HBO’s Hard Knocks and creating music videos/TV specials with celebrities such as Cher, Garth Brooks, Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, and Chris Rock, has sadly passed away at the age of 78.

Callner died Monday at his home in Malibu, his rep Gail Parenteau announced.

He initially directed several music videos, starting in 1984 with “We’re Not Going to Take It” by Twisted Sister and “We Belong” by Pat Benatar. Additionally, he worked on Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” as well as numerous videos for Aerosmith, including “Cryin’,” “Crazy,” “Amazing,” “Livin’ on the Edge,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Dude Looks Like a Lady,” and “Love in an Elevator.” His portfolio also includes “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake, “Every Rose Has a Thorn” by Poison, Stevie Nicks’ “Stand Back,” and Bon Jovi’s “Lie to Me,” among many others.

The performances and specials he featured encompassed shows like “Diva Las Vegas” by Bette Midler, “In Concert” by Pat Benatar, “Live From Las Vegas” by Britney Spears, “Live at Caesar’s Palace” by Diana Ross, the Mirage Tour by Fleetwood Mac, “Live From Central Park” by Garth Brooks, “Live at the Greek Theatre” by Gladys Knight, “Caribbean Soul: The Atlantis Concert” by Gloria Estefan, “FutureSex/LoveShow” by Justin Timberlake, “Live at the Tower Theatre” by Paul Simon, the Rolling Stones’ “Four Flicks”, “Bella Donna” by Stevie Nicks, and Whitney Houston’s “Concert for a New South Africa”.

Additionally, Callner is responsible for launching the groundbreaking TV reality series titled “Hard Knocks“. In partnership with NFL Films, this sports-centric show has been granting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into a team’s training camp each year since 2001.

Born in Chicago on August 25, 1946, Callner grew up in Cincinnati. His mother, Ethel Jane, secured his initial job in the entertainment industry as a prop man for The Nick Clooney Show. While working at a local news station, he received his first opportunity to direct.

From the mid-1970s, he led commercial productions in Cleveland and collaborated with the Boston Celtics of the NBA. His work eventually caught the attention of HBO, leading to his initial tasks such as directing Richard Harris in the Broadway adaptation of Camelot, and producing tennis matches from Wimbledon.

Callner is recognized for designing the blueprint of a stand-up comedy special, having directed the first one on HBO, titled “An Evening With Robert Klein“, which was released in 1975. Subsequently, he oversaw numerous installments of the HBO On Location specials, among them the memorable “George Carlin: Live From Phoenix“, broadcasted in 1978.

Callner collaborated with Mitzi Shore and her comedy club, The Comedy Store, to uncover budding comedic talent for their shows on HBO’s Young Comedians. This collective included future stars such as Williams, Seinfeld, Billy Crystal, Howie Mandel, Mike Binder, and Jim Carrey.

Apart from that, he also found Paul Reubens at The Groundlings in Hollywood and significantly propelled the initial version of the Pee-wee Herman Show. This show was recorded at the Roxy in West Hollywood to be broadcast on HBO in 1981.

Callner, together with his film production company, Cream Cheese Films, and frequent collaborator Randall Gladstein, created numerous live music shows and concerts for HBO.

Survivors include his wife, Aleeza, his kids and grandkids.

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2025-03-20 01:54