Over a remarkable six-decade career, Gary Smith shaped the cultural landscape of American television. As one half of the legendary production team Smith-Hemion, Gary brought artistry, innovation, and elegance to an era of TV that celebrated variety, spectacle, and unforgettable moments. From intimate musical performances to historic national celebrations, he left an indelible mark on audiences across generations.
Born in 1935, Gary graduated from Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) with a degree in scenic design. He began his career at CBS in 1956 as an art director, a role that tapped into his visual instincts and theatrical training. But it didn’t take long for his talent to shine beyond the design department. In 1963, while serving as art director on The Judy Garland Show, he was asked at just 27 years old to take over as producer. It was, as he later recalled, “a baptism by fire” — and the start of one of the most celebrated producing careers in television history.
Two years later, Gary produced Hullabaloo, an innovative variety series that helped pioneer music television. Showcasing performances by The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Who, Simon & Garfunkel, and Sonny & Cher, Hullabaloo was a pulse on the emerging sounds of the 1960s and a cultural touchstone for a generation.
Gary’s influence only deepened over the decades. He produced the first television specials for Paul McCartney and Bette Midler, and the final television performances of legends like Elvis Presley and Bing Crosby. His collaborations with Barbra Streisand led to many of her most iconic televised events. From "Baryshnikov on Broadway" to "Peter Pan" starring Mia Farrow and Danny Kaye to Royal Command Performances for the Queen of England, Gary had a remarkable ability to blend artistry and emotion with technical precision.
His legacy includes countless specials for stars like Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti, Neil Diamond, Tony Bennett, Dolly Parton, Sammy Davis Jr., Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gormé, Woody Allen, Ann-Margret, and Burt Bacharach. He was behind iconic productions like Kraft Music Hall, Uptown at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, and "Rockette: A Holiday Tribute to Radio City Music Hall."
Gary’s work extended far beyond entertainment. He produced the opening of EPCOT, the 25th Anniversary of Disneyland, and national events like Liberty Weekend, the 1986 celebration of the Statue of Liberty’s restoration. His vision also shaped four Democratic National Conventions (1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000), and the Inaugural Galas of Presidents Reagan, Clinton (1993 and 1997), and the Bicentennial of the Constitution (We the People 200). For the turn of the millennium, Gary helmed ABC 2000, the network’s ambitious 24-hour New Year’s Eve broadcast that ushered in a new century.
He was Executive Producer of the AFI Life Achievement Award tributes to Barbra Streisand and Tom Hanks, The Mary Tyler Moore Show Reunion, The I Love Lucy 50th Anniversary Special, The NFL’s 75th Anniversary, and 100 Years of Hope and Humor celebrating Bob Hope’s centennial.
In the world of live television, Gary was the master of award shows, producing six Tony Awards broadcasts, four Emmy telecasts, the People’s Choice Awards, and the Disney Teacher Awards. His work on the AFI’s “100 Years…” film series ran for 11 years and became a cherished part of the national dialogue on cinema history.
Gary’s artistry earned him eight Primetime Emmy Awards and over 30 nominations. The Smith-Hemion partnership garnered an extraordinary 24 Emmys, a record that underscored their unmatched excellence. In 2002, his alma mater honored him with its prestigious Life Achievement Award — a distinction shared by only three other drama alumni in more than half a century.
Outside the studio, Gary had a big heart and a playful spirit. For 12 years, he proudly served as catcher in the Hollywood Celebrity Baseball Game at Dodger Stadium. He also dedicated time and talent to causes close to his heart — producing the annual Boomtown event for SHARE, Inc., a Los Angeles-based charity supporting children with special needs. He cherished watching his wife Maxine perform with the “Ladies of Share,” as much as he loved bringing joy to the audience.
