Six TV legends will be included in the TV Academy 27th Hall of Fame. Viola Davis, Don Mischer, Ryan Murphy, Conan O’Brien, Mike Post and Henry Winkler will all be honored.
The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held during the Televerse festival on August 16. The ceremony honors people who have made outstanding contributions in art, science or management of television either during their lifetime or through individual achievements. Since its inception in 1984, more than 150 people from actors and costume designers to writers and animators have been assigned this honor.
Davis has done the story time and time again for his art and work. Davis was a sought after ego winner and was the first black actress to win the outstanding principal actress in a drama series Emmy for her role in “How to get away with murder.” She was also named one of the most influential people in the world in 2017’s time 100 and was honored with Public Counsel’s William O. Douglas Award 2022 for her commitment to social justice causes. Earlier this year, Davis was also awarded the Golden Globe Cecil B. Demille Award.
The late Don Mischer was a producer and head of live -TV events and the founder of Don Mischer Productions. During his career he worked on everything from Emmys and we are one: Obama initial celebration at Lincoln Memorial to Super Bowl -Halv time shows and Winter Olympics. During his esteemed career, Mischer was honored with 15 Emmys, record 10 Director Guild of America Awards for Outstanding Director Development, two NAACP image prices, a Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting, European Gold Rose of Montreux and 2012 Norman Lear Achievers Achieve Mischer died in April 2025.
Known for his work with everything from “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” to “Pose”, Ryan Murphy has created some of the most iconic and critically acclaimed series on television. The productive author, director and producer has transformed the TV landscape through his commitment to bring the stories of marginalized characters to mainstream audience. So far, Murphy has won six Emmys of 38 nominations, one Tony and two Grammy prices.
During his career, Conan O’Brien has had a 28-year-old career hosting in the evening, one of the longest mandates in late at night. Comedian, writer and producer has won five Emmy awards, Seven Writers Guild Awards, People’s Choice Award for “Favorite -TV -host” and the Mark Twain Prize for American humor. O’Brien has also hosted two Emmy Awards, Oscars and performed on the White House’s correspondents dinner for two presidents.
Of many, Mike Post is considered the most successful composer in television history. The musician, composer, organizer and producer has written music for over 7,200 hours of TV including beloved series such as “Law & Order”, “Nypd Blue”, “Magnum Pi”, “Quantum Leap” and “News Radio”, just to name some of his many credits. Posts theme songs for “The Rockford Files”, “The Greatest American Hero”, “Hill Street Blues” and “La Law” became a mapping record while landing mail four of his five Grammy awards.
Last but never least is “Happy Days” and “Barry” star Henry Winkler. During his over 50 years of success in Hollywood, the Emmy-winning actor, producer, director and best-selling writer has appeared in over 100 television programs, including “American Horror Stories”, “Arrested Development” and “Parks and Recreation.” Winkler has also produced and directed many TV series and special offers, including “MacGyver”, “Mr. Sunshine” and “All Kids do it”, which one day won the Emmy Award for best director. During his career, Winkler has won two Golden Globes, two daytime Emmy Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award.
“These trailblazing artists, creators and producers have left an indelible mark in our industry. Their groundbreaking work has shaped and raised the TV landscape in a deep way,” said Cris Abrego, chairman of the TV Academy, in a statement to the press. “We are honored to welcome these legends to the Hall of Fame and to recognize their exceptional contribution to the TV development.”
“All six Honorees have increased the arts of story and have had an extraordinary influence on TV culture and history,” said Rick Rosen, chairman of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. “Their transformative leadership and innovative work have made a lasting impact on the media and the TV Academy is proud to honor their heritage.”
This year, the Hall of Fame-Survet Committee included chairman WME founder and head of TV Rick Rosen, President 20th TV Karey Burke, Emmy-winning producer Marcy Carsy, chairman of Universal Studio Group Pears Igbokwe, former chairman of Warner Bros. As well as the former president of Fox Peter Roth and former CBS Entertain person and former produces Nina-Teasser.
