Gary Smith obit

Gary Smith Dies: Eight-Time Emmy-Winning Producer Of TV Specials & Awards Shows Was 90

 

He was not on the list.

Gary Smith, the prolific producer of awards shows and TV specials for such performers as Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti, Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, Dolly Parton, Sammy Davis Jr., Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gormé, and many others, died Friday, July 18, in Los Angeles. He was 90.

His death was announced by a spokesperson for his family.

Nominated for 30 primetime Emmy Awards (and winner of eight), Smith was and business partner Dwight Hemion formed the production team Smith-Hemion Productions in the early 1960s and developed an approach that was noted for bringing artistry, innovation, and elegance to the world of variety and music specials. The partnership ended in 2001.

Smith produced the first television specials for Paul McCartney and Bette Midler, and the final television performances of Elvis Presley and Bing Crosby. His collaborations with Barbra Streisand led to many of her most iconic televised events, including her acclaimed 1973 special Barbra Streisand and Other Musical Instruments.

Born in 1935, Smith graduated from Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) with a degree in scenic design. He began his career at CBS in 1956 as an art director, a role that tapped into his visual instincts and theatrical training. In 1963, while serving as art director on The Judy Garland Show, he would be asked to take over as producer – he later called the experience “a baptism by fire” — and move launched a celebrated producing career.

Two years later, Smith produced Hullabaloo, the pop and rock variety series that showcased performances by The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Who, Simon & Garfunkel and Sonny & Cher, among many others.

In the world of live television, Smith produced six Tony Awards broadcasts, four Emmy telecasts, the People’s Choice Awards, and the Disney Teacher Awards. His work on the AFI’s “100 Years…” film series ran for 11 years. Among his own eight Emmys were the 1997 Tony Awards, the 1995 Barbra Streisand The Concert, the 1978 Midler special Ol’ Red Hair Is Back, the the 1971 special Singer Presents Burt Bacharach.

The Smith-Hemion partnership garnered an 24 Emmys. In 2002, his alma mater honored him with its prestigious Life Achievement Award — a distinction shared by only three other drama alumni in more than half a century.

Among Smith’s many other credits are Kraft Music Hall, Uptown at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, and Rockette: A Holiday Tribute to Radio City Music Hall.

Smith also produced events such as the opening of EPCOT, the 25th Anniversary of Disneyland, and national events like Liberty Weekend, the 1986 celebration of the Statue of Liberty’s restoration. His vision also shaped four Democratic National Conventions (1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000), and the Inaugural Galas of Presidents Reagan, Clinton (1993 and 1997), and the Bicentennial of the Constitution (We the People 200). For the turn of the millennium, Smith helmed ABC 2000, the network’s ambitious 24-hour New Year’s Eve broadcast that ushered in a new century.

He was Executive Producer of the AFI Life Achievement Award tributes to Barbra Streisand and Tom Hanks, The Mary Tyler Moore Show Reunion, The I Love Lucy 50th Anniversary Special, The NFL’s 75th Anniversary, and 100 Years of Hope and Humor celebrating Bob Hope’s centennial.

Smith is survived by his wife Maxine, an interior designer and artist, and their twin sons, Jake and Zack. He is also remembered with love by his children from a previous marriage — Daisy, Doug, and Sam — and his five grandchildren: Spencer, Jasper, Sienna, Ryan, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his daughters-in-law, Brett Smith (married to Jake) and Leah Smith (married to Zack).

A private funeral service will be held July 22. A public memorial and celebration of life will take place on Saturday, September 20. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to SHARE, Inc., whose mission he championed with passion and joy.