American Director and Producer. Pasetta was best known for directing the Academy Awards telecast annually for most of the 1970s and 80s. When he was chosen to take the reins of the 60th Annual Academy Awards in 1988, he set an all-time 17-year record for directing the event. He also produced and directed several live Grammy Awards and Emmy telecasts. Pasetta directed several AFI Life Achievement Award ceremonies, honoring Alfred Hitchcock, Henry Fonda, Fred Astaire and Frank Capra. He also directed Elvis Presley’s 1973 'Aloha From Hawaii' concert, one of the most watched televised programs in history, and TV specials 'The Beach Boys: 25 Years Together', 'Paul Anka: Music My Way', 'Bing Crosby And His Friends' and 'America’s All-Star Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor'. He also worked on 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour', 'The Everly Brothers Show', 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Love Connection' and had multiple TV movie credits to his name. Pasetta also directed inaugural galas for Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Pasetta, who earned nine Emmy nominations, was killed after being struck by the same car he had exited.
American Director and Producer. Pasetta was best known for directing the Academy Awards telecast annually for most of the 1970s and 80s. When he was chosen to take the reins of the 60th Annual Academy Awards in 1988, he set an all-time 17-year record for directing the event. He also produced and directed several live Grammy Awards and Emmy telecasts. Pasetta directed several AFI Life Achievement Award ceremonies, honoring Alfred Hitchcock, Henry Fonda, Fred Astaire and Frank Capra. He also directed Elvis Presley’s 1973 'Aloha From Hawaii' concert, one of the most watched televised programs in history, and TV specials 'The Beach Boys: 25 Years Together', 'Paul Anka: Music My Way', 'Bing Crosby And His Friends' and 'America’s All-Star Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor'. He also worked on 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour', 'The Everly Brothers Show', 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Love Connection' and had multiple TV movie credits to his name. Pasetta also directed inaugural galas for Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Pasetta, who earned nine Emmy nominations, was killed after being struck by the same car he had exited.
Bio by: Louis du Mort
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