Jack Shea Dies At 84, Famed TV Director Fought For Minority Hiring, US Entertainment Jobs

The Jefferson’s director Jack Shea is dead at 84. The famed Hollywood TV director, who also served as the president of the Directors Guild of America, was a force to be reckoned with in an industry that was slow to offer minority hiring and local productions.

Shea began his career as the 27-year-old director of the game show Truth or Consequences but called in sick when his nerves got the best of him. Shea would go on to direct many very popular sitcoms including The Jeffersons, Silver Spoons, and 15 episodes of Sanford and Son. Jack Shea also directed episodes of The Waltons, Designing Women, and Growing Pains.

Shea also stepped in to direct 10 Bob Hope Christmas specials at US military posts around the world.

Shea was married to Patt Shea, a TV screenwriter who worked on the popular show All In The Family.

The famed TV director passed away at the Tarzana care facility. Shea was suffering through Alzheimer’s disease and passed away from complications related to his disease.

In a statement regarding her father’s death, Shawn Shea said:

“He loved his family and God and the Directors Guild, though not necessarily in that order.”

Born in New York City on August 1, 1928, Jack Shea started his career at NBC but later signed on for a two year stint in the US Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, Jack Shea made instruction films including one film in which he taught personnel how to properly brush their teeth.

After being named as the president of the Directors Guild of America in 1997, Shea fought for more diversity in hiring and for keeping entertainment industry jobs in America.

During his career, Jack Shea was nominated for two Emmy awards, one for Designing Women and one for a Bob Hope Christmas special he directed.

Jack Shea may have died, but, after 84 years on this planet, he leaves behind a legacy anyone in Hollywood would be proud to call their own.