Jack Shea (director) facts for kids

Jack Shea (born August 1, 1928 – died April 28, 2013) was a famous American director. He worked on many popular television shows and movies. He also led the Directors Guild of America (DGA) from 1997 to 2002. The DGA is a group that represents directors in the entertainment industry.

Jack Shea's Life and Career

Jack Shea was born John Francis Shea, Jr. in New York City. His father was a salesman, and his mother was a bookkeeper. Jack went to a Catholic high school. Later, he earned a degree in history from Fordham University.

He started his career in entertainment in 1951. His first job was as a stage manager for a TV show called Philco Playhouse. After that, he served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1954. During the Korean War, he made training films in Los Angeles. After his military service, he became an associate director.

Directing Popular TV Shows

Jack Shea worked on many well-known TV shows. These included The Jerry Lewis Show and The Bob Hope Specials. He even received an award nomination for his work on The Bob Hope Specials in 1961.

In the late 1950s, Jack helped create the Radio and Television Directors Guild. This group later joined with another to form The Directors Guild of America (DGA) in 1960. He was a strong supporter of hiring more people from different backgrounds in the industry.

During the 1970s, Jack worked with producers Bud Yorkin and Norman Lear. He directed many episodes of their hit shows. These included Sanford and Son and The Jeffersons. He directed 110 episodes of The Jeffersons!

Other shows he directed include The Waltons, Silver Spoons, Growing Pains, and Designing Women. He received another award nomination for Designing Women. From 1997 to 2002, he served as the president of the Directors Guild.

Community Involvement

Jack Shea was a co-founder of Catholics in Media Associates (CIMA). He started this group with his wife, Patt, and other Catholic professionals in Hollywood. CIMA celebrates achievements in media. In 2002, Jack and Patt Shea received a special award from CIMA for their lifetime achievements. Jack was also a member of a committee for communications for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Family Life

On January 2, 1954, Jack Shea married Patricia C. Carmody. She became known as Patt Shea. Patt was a talented screenwriter. She wrote for many TV shows, including All in the Family, Archie Bunker's Place, and Cagney & Lacey.

Jack and Patt lived in Studio City, California, for over 30 years. They had five children together. Three of their children are also members of the Directors Guild of America. They work as 1st Assistant Directors.

Death

Jack Shea passed away on April 28, 2013. He died from problems related to Alzheimer's disease.