Don Mischer, Pioneering Live Event Director, Dies at 85

The 15-time Emmy winner passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, shortly after directing his final broadcast and announcing his retirement.

Don Mischer, renowned for directing iconic live events like the Oscars, Emmys, and Olympic Opening Ceremonies, died peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home.
His final show, the 2025 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, marked the conclusion of a groundbreaking six-decade career in live television production.
Mischer's accolades include 15 Emmy Awards, 10 Directors Guild of America Awards, and a Peabody, cementing his legacy as one of the most celebrated directors in television history.
He began his career in 1963 at PBS in Austin, Texas, and became a transformative figure in live broadcasting, capturing historic moments such as Michael Jackson's moonwalk and Prince's Super Bowl halftime performance.
Mischer is survived by his wife Suzan, four children, and two grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy that shaped modern live television.