‘Get Smart’ Director was 97
Renowned director Bruce Bilson, known for his Emmy-winning work on the sitcom “Get Smart,” passed away on January 16 in Los Angeles at the age of 97. Bilson’s career spanned decades and he was a prolific director, helming over 400 episodes of various television shows including classics like “The Odd Couple,” “Hogan’s Heroes,” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
Born on May 19, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, Bilson was the son of Hattie Bilson, a screen and magazine writer, and George Bilson, a producer at Warner Brothers and RKO. He graduated from UCLA in 1946, being part of the institution’s first film school graduating class. After serving in the Air Force, he began his career as an assistant editor on “You Bet Your Life” with Groucho Marx, and later worked as an assistant director on shows like “Wyatt Earp” and “The Andy Griffith Show.”
In 1955, Bilson married Mona Whiteman and they had two children together. In 1984, he tied the knot with actress Renne Jarrett, whom he remained married to until his passing. Bilson is survived by his wife, children Danny Bilson and Julie Bilson Ahlberg, stepson Drew Stauffer (Liz), as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to honor Bruce Bilson will take place at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles on January 25 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to casala.org.
Bruce Bilson’s contributions to the world of television will always be remembered, and his legacy as a talented director will continue to inspire future generations in the industry. May he rest in peace.
