Jeff Margolis, an award-winning television-performing producer and director known to help Live-Teecast from Oscars, Emmys and other awards, died Friday morning at the age of 78, according to Screen Actors Guild.
His more than 40-year career began by holding a cue card for his uncle Monty Hall at “Let’s make a deal.”
Over the years, Margolis directed 22 American Music Awards, Eight Academy Awards, Seven Screen Actors Guild Awards, Three Emmys, Three Golden Golden Globes Red Carpet Specials and Two Academy of Country Music Awards Telecasts.
He also directed “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert”, two “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” specials and countless variations including for Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Midler and Cher.
Among his many awards to direct the Academy Awards are two from Director Guild of America, Sex Emmy nominations and an Emmy victory for Oscars in 1995. He also won an Emmy to direct “Sammy Davis Jr.’s 60th anniversary celebration.”
He executive produced Screen Actors Guild Awards for 16 years. The SAG AWARDS Committee said in a statement shared with Thewrap, “Jeff Margolis created some of the most unforgettable moments in the award shows history, and we are grateful that the screen actors Guild Awards were among them. For over 16 years, Jeff helped Jeff to form a celebration.
Sag -death case quoted Margolis who talked about how much he loved his work: “The excitement I get when I direct is indescribable … I can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning and go to work.”
Through his company, Jeff Margolis Productions, was founded in 1976, he also packaged and produced entertainment and reality series for networks, syndication and cable TV, including NBC’s “fame” and VH1’s “in Search of the Partridge Family.”
He is survived by his children, Adam, Erin and Samantha and grandchildren Max and Milo, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, innovation and timeless television.
