Brian Damage
02-12-2011, 12:58 AM
TV director Bill Foster, who helmed sitcoms including "Sanford and Son," "Benson" and "Full House" over a 50-year career, died on Feb. 2 in Los Angeles after a long bout with cancer. He was 78.
Early in his career he directed several Emmy-winning programs, including "The Danny Kaye Show" and "The Bell Telephone Hour." In 1967, he helmed the pilot of "Laugh-In," for which he was nominated for an Emmy.
In 1975 he won a DGA Award for directorial achievement in documentary/news for "AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to James Cagney."
He directed the 1971 and 1972 editions of the Primetime Emmycast, did 12 episodes of "Sanford and Son" in the mid-'70s and was a mainstay for the comedies "Benson," directing 43 episodes between 1982 and 1986, and Sherman Hemsley starrer "Amen," helming 36 episodes between 1986-89.
He last directed 23 episodes of the ABC comedy "Full House" in 1989-90.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Foster, a son; and two daughters.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118031993?refCatId=14
Early in his career he directed several Emmy-winning programs, including "The Danny Kaye Show" and "The Bell Telephone Hour." In 1967, he helmed the pilot of "Laugh-In," for which he was nominated for an Emmy.
In 1975 he won a DGA Award for directorial achievement in documentary/news for "AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to James Cagney."
He directed the 1971 and 1972 editions of the Primetime Emmycast, did 12 episodes of "Sanford and Son" in the mid-'70s and was a mainstay for the comedies "Benson," directing 43 episodes between 1982 and 1986, and Sherman Hemsley starrer "Amen," helming 36 episodes between 1986-89.
He last directed 23 episodes of the ABC comedy "Full House" in 1989-90.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Foster, a son; and two daughters.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118031993?refCatId=14