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Hollywood Remembers 9/11's Devastating Impact
11 Sep
Summary
- Frasier co-creator David Angel was among 9/11 victims.
- TV news anchors recall covering the tragedy's chaos.
- Filmmakers reflect on 9/11 halting the Toronto Film Festival.

The tragedy of September 11, 2001, deeply affected Hollywood, claiming nearly 3,000 lives. Frasier co-creator David Angel and his wife were tragically lost on one of the hijacked planes that struck the World Trade Center. From Manhattan to Los Angeles and the Toronto Film Festival, the television community watched in shock as the Twin Towers fell.
News anchors like Carol Lin, Lester Holt, and Pat Kiernan recounted their experiences reporting on the chaos and anguish of that day, overcoming their own fear. Filmmakers and executives attending the 2001 Toronto Film Festival reflected on how the terrorist attacks brought the event to an immediate standstill.
In the wake of the attacks, shows like '24' became breakout hits, with showrunner Howard Gordon noting the demand for a hero. Dick Wolf's plans for a miniseries were derailed, leading instead to an Oscar-winning documentary about first responders. The impact also extended to Arab American Muslims, with a "Ramy" duo addressing their plight.