Television icon Don Mischer, known for his transformative contributions to live television over six decades, passed away in his sleep on April 11, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 85.
Mischer died shortly after finishing his last production, the 2025 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony hosted by James Corden at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Often referred to as the “Oscars of Science,” the event featured performances by Katy Perry and gathered tech leaders and celebrities. It is currently available for streaming on YouTube.
In the days leading up to his death, Mischer informed Deadline of his intention to retire. “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,” he stated.
A 15-time Emmy winner, Mischer’s influence on live television is unmatched. His distinguished career included directing and producing over 100 major events such as two Academy Awards, 15 Emmy telecasts, multiple Kennedy Center Honors, several People’s Choice Awards, and annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremonies. He also directed the 9/11 memorials at Ground Zero in New York City, New York, and numerous other specials.
Among his notable achievements, Mischer directed the Opening Ceremonies for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. His extensive portfolio includes directing Super Bowl Halftime Shows with Michael Jackson, Prince, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen. Prince’s 2007 rain-soaked performance is regarded as one of the event’s most memorable moments.
Mischer also directed the Obama Inaugural Concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 2009, attended by approximately 750,000 people on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Other significant productions included the “Motown 25” special featuring Michael Jackson’s moonwalk, Democratic National Convention coverage, and “Carnegie Hall: Live at 100.”
In November 2023, Mischer published his autobiography, “10 Seconds To Air: My Life In The Director’s Chair,” sharing behind-the-scenes accounts of his iconic productions. The memoir covers his experiences directing Jackson’s groundbreaking “Billie Jean” performance on “Motown 25” and Prince’s legendary Super Bowl halftime show.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Mischer developed an early interest in television. He told Deadline about a childhood event that set his career in motion, describing how watching a live broadcast in his hometown at age nine left a lasting impression on him.
Mischer recounted to Deadline how witnessing the live production and its simultaneous broadcast on television sparked his passion for the medium, which he pursued from that day forward.
After earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, Mischer began his career in 1963 at the PBS station on the university’s campus, ultimately rising to prominence in live television production.
Mischer often discussed the exhilaration of directing live television events. He noted the unique challenge of counting down to a live broadcast of an Olympic Opening Ceremony, aware that a substantial global audience would be watching with no room for error.
He emphasized that live television allowed for no second chances or edits—only one opportunity to succeed before a stadium of spectators, heads of state, international media, and viewers worldwide. This, he said, was the essence of live television.
Throughout his remarkable career, Mischer received numerous awards, including 15 Emmy Awards (13 Primetime Emmys), 10 Directors Guild of America Awards, a Peabody Award, two NAACP Image Awards, the 2012 Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television, and the 2019 DGA Lifetime Achievement Award for Television. In 2014, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In a message to Deadline shortly before his passing, Mischer reflected on his extensive career. He remarked on his journey from television’s early days in 1949 to directing Super Bowl halftime shows, Olympic Opening Ceremonies, Carnegie Hall’s 100th anniversary, and Obama’s Inaugural Concert.
He acknowledged that it was time to slow down, although he did not have the chance to enjoy retirement, passing away just days after his final production.
Mischer is survived by his wife, Suzan, his four children—Heather, Jennifer, Charlie, and Lily—and two grandchildren, Everly and Tallulah.