Jack Shea

Jack Shea was interviewed for four-and-a-half hours in Studio City, CA. Shea recalled his early years in New York, working as a stage manager and assistant director at NBC, and the excitement of working in live television. Next, he talked about is move to NBC in Los Angeles, where he became began a long professional relationship working as a director on Bob Hope’s television specials, including his many programs overseas. He also discussed the many specials starring Jerry Lewis on which he worked as a director. Shea recalled his experiences as a director on numerous series, including The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, The Waltons, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons (on which he was also a producer), Good Times, The Ropers, Silver Spoons, and Designing Women. He discussed at length the many issues regarding the craft of directing for television. Finally, he spoke of his many years of involvement in the Directors Guild of America, including his recent stint as President of the organization.  The interview was conducted by Jennifer Howard on December 9, 2002.