Beloved TV Producer Woody Fraser Passes Away at 90

The world of television mourns the loss of Woody Fraser, the prolific American producer and director best known for launching iconic shows like “The Mike Douglas Show” and “Good Morning America.”
Fraser, who died Saturday afternoon at the age of 90, leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking programming and a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

“Variety” confirmed the news via Fraser’s daughter Stacy. More details surrounding his passing are expected to be released in the coming days.

A Trailblazing Pioneer in Television

Throughout his remarkable 50-year career in Hollywood, Fraser became a powerhouse in television production, specializing in talk, news, and variety programming. His extensive portfolio boasts credits on numerous hit shows, including:

• “The Dick Cavett Show”
• “The Richard Simmons Show”
• “On Trial”
• “What Would You Do?”
• “The Family Challenge”
• “That’s Incredible!”
• “The Home Show”
• and more

Long-time collaborator and fellow producer E.V. Di Massa Jr. paid tribute to his mentor and friend on Facebook, recalling their shared journey and successes:

“My mentor and a true producing genius Woody Fraser passed. So many memories. Here we are accepting the Mike Douglas Lifetime Award at the Emmys..may God hold him until we have our next production meeting in heaven.”

“The Mike Douglas Show”: A TV Legacy

Fraser’s career took off in 1960 when he joined NBC as a director. This marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership with Mike Douglas, leading to the co-creation of “The Mike Douglas Show,” a groundbreaking talk show that ran for over 4,000 episodes from 1961 to 1982.

Following the success of “Mike Douglas,” Fraser’s star rapidly ascended, solidifying his place as one of the most sought-after producers in the mid-’60s and early-’70s. He juggled a demanding schedule, responsible for over 32 hours of weekly television programming, including popular shows like “The Della Reese Show,” “The Bill Russel Show,” and “Kid Talk.”

Continued Success and Lasting Impact

Fraser’s influence on television continued in more recent years. He was instrumental in launching prominent series like “McEnroe” for CNBC and “Huckabee” for Fox News.

Woody Fraser is survived by his eight children and three grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and countless viewers whose lives were enriched by his remarkable contributions to television.

Share your favorite memories of Woody Fraser and his iconic shows in the comments below. Let’s celebrate his life and legacy.