Television pioneer Don Mischer passed away at the age of 85 in Los Angeles, California, on April 11, 2025. His work over six decades has left an indelible mark on live television.
Mischer’s death came shortly after completing the 2025 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Santa Monica, California, hosted by James Corden. Known as the “Oscars of Science,” the event featured Katy Perry and was attended by scientists, tech leaders and celebrities. It is available for streaming on YouTube.
In a recent conversation with Deadline, Mischer had announced his retirement, stating, “I want you to know that, after more than six decades in television, I will be doing my last show tomorrow on Saturday, April 5th here in Los Angeles.”
With 15 Emmy Awards to his name, Mischer’s contributions to live television were significant. His resume includes directing more than 100 high-profile events, such as two Academy Awards, 15 Emmy telecasts, multiple Kennedy Center Honors, and the annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremonies. He also directed the annual 9/11 memorials at Ground Zero in New York City and other major broadcasts.
Renowned for directing the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mischer’s impressive list of credits includes Super Bowl Halftime Shows featuring artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen. Prince’s 2007 performance, held under heavy rain, is particularly memorable.
Mischer also produced the Obama Inaugural Concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 2009, witnessed by approximately 750,000 attendees. His other notable productions include the “Motown 25” special, the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and “Carnegie Hall: Live at 100.”
In November 2023, Mischer released his autobiography, “10 Seconds To Air: My Life In The Director’s Chair,” detailing his behind-the-scenes experiences. His book recounts directing Michael Jackson’s “Motown 25” performance and Prince’s iconic Super Bowl show.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Mischer’s interest in television began early. In an interview with Deadline, he described attending his hometown’s first television broadcast at age nine, which featured a mix of performances and production setups that ignited his passion for the medium.
Mischer said that witnessing the broadcast live and on television simultaneously inspired his career. From that moment, his fascination with television grew.
With degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, Mischer started his career in 1963 at the university’s PBS station. He went on to become a leader in live television production.
Mischer often spoke about the excitement of directing live events, emphasizing the unique challenge of broadcasting Olympic Opening Ceremonies with a worldwide audience and only one chance for success.
He highlighted the lack of retakes in live television, noting the importance of precision in front of global spectators, heads of state, and media.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mischer earned numerous awards, including 15 Emmy Awards, 10 Directors Guild of America Awards, a Peabody Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Shortly before his death, Mischer reflected on his extensive career, which spanned from the early days of television to major global events, noting the signals that it was time to slow down. Unfortunately, he did not have the opportunity to enjoy retirement.
Mischer is survived by his wife, Suzan, their children Charlie and Lilly, daughters Jennifer and Heather from a previous marriage, and his grandchildren Everly and Tallulah.
