Gary L. Pudney, the entertainment executive who spent two decades with ABC Television, has died. He was 91.
Pudney died peacefully on Monday surrounded by his family.
During his tenure with ABC Television, he became the senior vp of specials, talent and special projects, where he produced and supervised a plethora of award-winning programming, including the Academy Awards, American Music Awards, Emmy Awards, American Comedy Awards, the International Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies and ABC’s 50th Anniversary celebration at Radio City Music Hall.
Pudney oversaw specials including Julie Andrews’ Sound of Christmas, the “Royal Gala” honoring HRH Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Night of 100 Stars and Rolling Stone magazine anniversary celebrations. He was also involved in the development of made-for-television films and miniseries, including Jane Fonda’s The Dollmaker, Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory and Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite.
Under his leadership, Pudney’s associated productions accumulated over 50 Emmy Awards.
Pudney founded the Gary L. Pudney Company in 1988, an extension of his work as a producer and EP for for television and global live events.
He also served as an arts advisor to the Princess Grace Foundation–USA, helping preserve Princess Grace’s legacy. Elsewhere, the entertainment executive was also a philanthropist, as he helped raise millions of dollars for organizations including the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the International Red Cross, the Special Olympics and the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, among others.
“Those who knew Gary Pudney remember not only a successful entertainment executive, but also a gracious host, trusted mentor, consummate showman, and passionate advocate for the arts,” reads a release. “His legacy lives on through the productions he created, the careers he helped launch, and the friendships he maintained throughout the entertainment world.”