Gary Smith, 1935 – 2025

TV producer Gary Smith, 90, died on July 18. He was half of the production team Smith-[Dwight ] Hemion. Smith began his career as a CBS art director; he was unexpectedly promoted to producer of the troubled Judy Garland Show in 1963. He went on to produce TV specials for Frank Sinatra, Pavarotti, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Steve & Eydie. Over the years, Smith was nominated for 30 primetime Emmy Awards, and won eight. He also produced such live events as the opening of EPCOT, several AFI Life Achievement Awards, the 25th Anniversary of Disneyland, four Democratic National Conventions, the Inaugural Galas of Presidents Reagan and Clinton, and other events. His PR agency (who would never say anything bad about him, anyway), released a statement: “Gary had a big heart and a playful spirit. For 12 years, he proudly served as catcher in the Hollywood Celebrity Baseball Game at Dodger Stadium. He also dedicated time and talent to causes close to his heart — producing the annual Boomtown event for SHARE, Inc., a Los Angeles-based charity supporting children with special needs.”