Mary Lou Belli facts for kids

Mary Lou Belli is an American director who creates TV shows and also writes books. She is well-known for directing many popular comedy series.

Mary Lou Belli's Career in TV and Books

Early Life and Theater Work

Mary Lou Belli went to Penn State University and earned a college degree. For a long time, she was an actress in musicals and TV soap operas in New York City. Later, in Los Angeles, she started producing and directing plays. She worked on more than 75 different theater shows!

Directing Television Shows

Mary Lou Belli first directed a TV show called Charles in Charge in 1988. Since then, she has directed many other famous television series. Some of these include Major Dad, Sister, Sister, The Hughleys, One on One, Girlfriends, and Monk. She also directed episodes of Wizards of Waverly Place, which many kids and teens enjoy.

Writing Books and Judging Events

Besides directing, Mary Lou Belli has co-written two books. In 2004, she wrote The Sitcom Career Book with director Phil Ramuno. She also wrote The Sitcom Career Book and Acting for Young Actors in 2006 with actress Dinah Lenney. This book helps young people learn about acting.

Mary Lou Belli has also been a judge for the Miss America Outstanding Teen Pageant. She has given talks at places like the Chautauqua Institute. She has also been a panelist for important groups like Women in Film and the Directors Guild of America. She has judged film festivals in California and Japan.

Awards and Recognition

Special Awards and Lectures

Mary Lou Belli has received several awards for her work. One special award came from Mayor Tom Bradley for her efforts helping children who had been through tough times. She often gives lectures at universities across the United States. Some of these include the AFI, New York University, and Northwestern University.

Emmy Nominations for Directing

Mary Lou Belli has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award multiple times. These nominations were for her excellent directing of a comedy series. She received nominations for her work on The Ms. Pat Show in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The Emmy Awards celebrate the best in television.

Mary Lou Belli's Family Life

Mary Lou Belli lives in Los Angeles with her husband. They have two children, and both of them are actors. She is also the aunt of Willam Belli, who is a well-known drag queen and actor.