For anyone who has tuned in to music programming on television over the past five decades, the remarkable influence of Don Mischer is undeniable. He was responsible for directing and producing an impressive array of shows, including six iconic Super Bowl halftime shows and numerous variety specials featuring legendary artists such as Barbra Streisand and Willie Nelson. Throughout his illustrious career, Mischer garnered an extraordinary 15 Primetime Emmy Awards for his exceptional contributions to television. Sadly, this visionary talent passed away on April 11 in Los Angeles at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the television landscape.
One of Mischer’s most significant achievements was producing and directing the groundbreaking special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever in 1983, where Michael Jackson famously introduced the world to his signature Moonwalk dance move. This special set the stage for a sequel in 1985, titled Motown Returns to the Apollo. In a memorable reunion, Mischer collaborated with Jackson once again for the Super Bowl halftime show in 1993, a performance that is widely credited with elevating the halftime show into a premier platform for music artists globally, redefining live entertainment during major sporting events.
Mischer’s remarkable talent extended beyond a single performance as he directed five additional Super Bowl halftime shows, featuring legendary acts like Paul McCartney in 2005, The Rolling Stones in 2006, Prince in 2007, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers in 2008, and Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band in 2009. Notably, Prince’s halftime show, performed during a torrential downpour, consistently ranks as one of the greatest halftime performances in history, showcasing Mischer’s unparalleled ability to create unforgettable moments in live television.
Over an impressive four-decade span, Mischer directed the prestigious The Kennedy Center Honors, covering the years from 1978 to 1986 and then from 1992 to 2005. His expertise also extended to producing and directing three of the four major award shows that comprise the EGOT</b) (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) cycle, including three Tony Awards broadcasts, three Academy Awards ceremonies, and nine Primetime Emmy Awards broadcasts. Although he never worked on the Grammy Awards, he did serve as executive producer for the Billboard Music Awards on three occasions between 2011 and 2013, further showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Mischer’s talent shone brightly at the international level as well. He produced and directed the spectacular opening ceremony for the 1996 Summer Olympics and took on the role of executive producer for the 2002 Winter Olympics ceremony, showcasing his capacity to create grand spectacles that resonate with global audiences. His work on these significant events solidified his place as a preeminent figure in live television production.
Throughout his career, Mischer was involved in numerous high-profile specials featuring superstar performances. Notable productions included Goldie & Liza Together (1981), where acclaimed Oscar winners Goldie Hawn and Liza Minnelli reunited on stage, and Willie Nelson: Texas Style (1989). Other memorable productions included Sonny & Cher: Cher Remembers (1999), Barbra Streisand: Timeless (2000), and James Taylor: One Man Band (2007). His expertise also extended to dance specials featuring renowned artists like Twyla Tharp, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Gregory Hines, as well as comedy specials featuring iconic comedians such as Eddie Murphy and Don Rickles.
Mischer played a pivotal role in producing many “event” television specials commemorating significant milestones or anniversaries. Some of the standout specials included Irving Berlin’s 100th Birthday at Carnegie Hall (1988), Carnegie Hall: Live at 100 (1991), Bob Hope: The First 90 Years (1992), To Life: Israel’s 50th Anniversary Celebration (1998), and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum Dedication (2014). These events were not only entertaining but also served to highlight the rich cultural heritage and significant historical moments in American society.
Mischer’s journey in television began with his directorial work on Great American Dream Machine on PBS from 1970 to 1971, which opened doors for him to direct In Concert, a late-night music series on ABC that ran from 1973 to 1975. His early experiences laid the foundation for a stellar career that would leave an indelible mark on live television production.
In a notable incident during the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Mischer faced a rare moment of frustration when a balloon drop intended to celebrate John Kerry‘s acceptance speech went awry, causing balloons to get stuck. His exasperation led to an unintentional live broadcast of his frustrations on CNN, highlighting the unpredictable nature of live television production. Despite this, his ability to manage such challenges contributed to his reputation as a skilled and experienced producer.
Conversely, in January 2009, Mischer enjoyed a moment of triumph as he produced and directed We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. This historic event featured stunning performances from Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen, capturing the spirit of hope and unity during a pivotal moment in American history, and showcasing Mischer’s ability to orchestrate monumental occasions.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mischer received numerous accolades, including an impressive 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, a record 10 Directors Guild of America Awards for outstanding directorial achievements, two NAACP Image Awards, and a Peabody Award for his work on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. In 2012, he was honored with the Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television from the Producers Guild of America, and in 2014, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Additionally, in 2019, he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of America (DGA), further solidifying his legacy in the industry.
In November 2023, Mischer released his memoir titled 10 Seconds to Air: My Life in the Director’s Chair. This book offers a candid and insightful look into his remarkable career, with Kirkus Reviews describing it as “a frank, insightful recollection of an accomplished career,” providing fans and industry professionals alike with a deeper understanding of his life and achievements.
“Don was simply iconic,” stated Lesli Linka Glatter, president of the DGA, in a heartfelt tribute. “His mastery of directing live events was a fast-paced symphony of meticulous planning combined with on-the-spot decision-making that elevated our nation’s greatest cultural events, always capturing the human spirit behind them. … Don’s skill as a director elevated the emotions, excitement, and importance of these live worldwide moments, creating lifelong memories for audiences around the globe.” This encapsulates the profound impact Mischer had on the world of live television and entertainment.
With extensive experience in directing and producing a multitude of live television events, Mischer developed a profound understanding of the art of live broadcasting. He often found solace and peace within the controlled chaos of live productions, confidently guiding each show to its successful conclusion.
“There’s nothing like that feeling that the clock is ticking down and you’re sitting in the truck, and then suddenly it’s time, and everybody gets quiet,” he reflected in an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2010. “That’s when I get calm.” His calm demeanor during high-pressure situations was a testament to his expertise and passion for live television.
Don Mischer is survived by his beloved wife, Suzan; his four children, Heather, Jennifer, Charlie, and Lily; as well as two cherished grandchildren, Everly and Tallulah. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through his family and the countless memories he created in the world of television.
