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TV Director Bruce Bilson, Emmy Winner, Dies at 97
22 Jan
Summary
- Emmy-winning director helmed nearly 400 TV episodes across decades.
- He directed episodes for iconic shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Get Smart.
- Bilson came from a four-generation Hollywood family, impacting TV history.
Emmy-winning director Bruce Bilson, a figure from a four-generation Hollywood family, has died at the age of 97. He passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home on January 17, 2026. Bilson's extensive career spanned five decades, during which he directed nearly 400 television episodes.
His directorial credits include numerous episodes for iconic series such as "The Andy Griffith Show," "Get Smart," and "Hogan's Heroes." Bilson's work often involved helming half-hour comedies before he transitioned to hour-long shows like "Alias Smith and Jones."
Bilson received an Emmy in 1968 for his direction of "Maxwell Smart, Private Eye" from "Get Smart." He also directed episodes for many other popular shows, including "The Patty Duke Show," "The Odd Couple," and "Barney Miller." His family's deep roots in Hollywood influenced his own significant contributions to the television industry.
