John Rich, ‘Gilligan’s Island’ and ‘All in the Family’ Director, Dies at 86

Veteran director John Rich, who worked in television for more than half a century, died at his Los Angeles home Sunday morning, the Directors Guild of America said. Rich was 86.

DGA President Taylor Hackford said in a statement:

“We are deeply saddened to learn today of the passing of John Rich. A legendary figure in the history of TV comedy, John tirelessly served our Guild for nearly six decades. He directed some of the most beloved classics of all time and his skills as a television director were unsurpassed, but no matter how busy and successful his career was, John always made time for the DGA … Our hearts go out to his wife Pat and his family at this difficult time.”

Rich started his broadcast career while at University of Michigan in the 1940s, working as a radio sports announcer. He launched his directing career of almost 50 years during the days of live TV in 1953 and won an Emmy for directing “The Dick Van Dyke Show” in 1963.

In addition to the Van Dyke Show, other series Rich worked on during his nearly 60-year Hollywood career were: “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” “The Twilight Zone,” “The Rifleman,” “Bat Masterson,” “That Girl,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.,” “Hogan’s Heroes,” “I Spy,” “The Brady Bunch,” “All in the Family,” “Benson” and “MacGyver.”

Later in his life, Rich directed five feature films including Roustabout and Easy Come, Easy Go, both starring Elvis Presley.

John Rich is survived by his wife Pat.

via Reuters