Television Hall of Fame
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The Television Academy Hall of Fame was founded by a former president of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, John H. Mitchell, to honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to television.
In the words of the selection committee, the Hall of Fame is for "persons who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of television, based upon either cumulative contributions and achievements or a singular contribution or achievement." Mitchell remained the chair of the Hall of Fame until his death in January 1988. He was succeeded by Edgar J. Scherick, who in turn passed the reins to Norman Lear.
The Television Hall of Fame does not have a museum open to the public like the Country Music Hall of Fame or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or other such "halls of fame" and does not appear to have plans for one in the near future.
The first ceremony in 1984 celebrated the careers of Lucille Ball, Milton Berle, Paddy Chayefsky, Norman Lear, Edward R. Murrow, William S. Paley and David Sarnoff. The honorees received glass statuettes in the form of two ballet dancers that were created by sculptor and painter Pascal to reflect the self-discipline required in all facets of the arts. Since 1988, inductees have brought home an award in the form of a crystal television screen atop a cast-bronze base. The new awards were designed by art director Romain Johnston.
Five or more new inductees are announced every year or two. All inductees have been individuals or pairs with the exception of the series I Love Lucy during the seventh year of inductees.
The only known induction request to be turned down is Sesame Street. For unknown reasons the producers have frequently denied permission for the show to be inducted.
Hall of Fame inductees
- 1st induction
- Lucille Ball
- Milton Berle
- Paddy Chayefsky
- Norman Lear
- Edward R. Murrow
- William S. Paley
- David Sarnoff
- 2nd induction
- Carol Burnett
- Sid Caesar
- Walter Cronkite
- Joyce C. Hall
- Rod Serling
- Ed Sullivan
- Sylvester "Pat" Weaver
- 3rd induction
- 4th induction
- 5th induction
- Jack Benny
- George Burns and Gracie Allen
- Chet Huntley and David Brinkley
- Red Skelton
- David Susskind
- David L. Wolper
- 6th induction
- 7th induction
- 8th induction
- 9th induction
- 10th induction
- Alan Alda
- Howard Cosell
- Barry Diller
- Fred W. Friendly
- William Hanna and Joseph Barbera
- Oprah Winfrey
- 11th induction
- 12th induction
- Edward Asner
- Steven Bochco
- Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner
- Charles Kuralt
- Angela Lansbury
- Aaron Spelling
- Lew Wasserman
- 13th induction
- 14th induction
- Herbert Brodkin, producer
- Robert MacNeil and Jim Lehrer
- Lorne Michaels
- Carl Reiner
- Fred Rogers
- Fred Silverman
- Ethel Winant, casting agent
- 15th induction
- 16th induction
- 17th induction
- 18th induction
- 19th induction
- 20th induction
- 21st induction
- Mary-Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray
- Michael Eisner
- Sherman Hemsley
- Bill Klages, lighting designer
- Mario Kreutzberger
- Chuck Lorre
- Vivian Vance and William Frawley
See also
- NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame
- Logie Hall of Fame (Australia)