Woody Fraser the highly successful American television producer and director most notably known for launching both "The Mike Douglas Show" and "Good Morning America" sadly passed away. Woody Fraser had a lengthy career spanning many successful productions with a reach impacting television history greatly for over 50 years. Fraser died on Saturday afternoon with his daughter Stacy confirming with Variety his passing. Further information will come during the following days as additional news emerges from his passing.
Woody Fraser’s Remarkable Career in Talk Variety and News Programming Remembered
Woody Fraser remained one of the most impactful and successful television producers of his time across several entertainment avenues including talk variety and news programming during a career spanning 50 years in Hollywood. Fraser earned credits on well known programs like "The Dick Cavett Show" "The Richard Simmons Show" and “That’s Incredible!”. He also worked on titles such as "On Trial" “What Would You Do” “The Family Challenge" and "The Home Show" which are all among many programs that demonstrate his varied and immense talents. He has left a significant mark in broadcasting history from his work in production over several decades.
Colleague EV Di Massa Jr Shares Emotional Tribute to Woody Fraser Acknowledging His Mentorship
E.V. Di Massa Jr a long time collaborator and a close friend posted on Facebook sharing his feelings for his late mentor Woody Fraser expressing heartfelt sorrow following the news of his passing. Di Massa mentioned he and Woody accepted "Mike Douglas Lifetime Achievement Award at the Emmys" together while recalling shared memories with a photo and also spoke about their close relationship. Di Massa considered Woody Fraser his mentor with all the achievements across his influential career while sharing stories of friendship among colleagues in media.
From NBC Director To Creating “The Mike Douglas Show” Which Became Television Phenomenon
Woody Fraser initially started his television career as a director for NBC in 1960. That same year he began his collaborations with Mike Douglas leading to co-creation of "The Mike Douglas Show" which accumulated over 4000 episodes across 1961-1982. “The Mike Douglas Show” became hugely popular and established Woody as an important part of daytime programming. "The Mike Douglas Show” aired over 20 years making lasting cultural impacts on many television audiences.
Woody Fraser Becomes Major Television Force During 1960's and 70's With Series Credits
Following the creation and popularity of “Mike Douglas Show" Woody Fraser quickly rose within entertainment becoming one of most sought after producers during mid 1960's to early 1970's overseeing 32 hours of weekly programing 1966-1973 including series like “The Della Reese Show” "The Bill Russel Show" and "Kid Talk." His output at the time shows influence over television program development during his era while impacting daily viewing across many homes and households.
Later Career Achievements Include "McEnroe" "Huckabee" and the "Home & Family" revival
Woody Fraser later in his career worked as producer for series such as "McEnroe" on CNBC and "Huckabee" on Fox News Channel. Additionally Woody launched 2012 “Home & Family" revival hosted by Mark Steines and Debbie Matenopoulos which appeared on Hallmark Channel for nine seasons until the series ended in 2021. These additional shows demonstrates Woodys talent with a varied range of formats showcasing versatility in developing and creating television programs from all spectrums including the news.
Woody Fraser's Legacy Includes Multiple Emmy Nominations and 1982 Win For “The Richard Simmons Show"
Woody Fraser gained recognition with several Daytime Emmy nominations during his career including nominations for work on shows like "The Mike Douglas Show" "The Richard Simmons Show" "The Dick Cavett Show" and “What Would You Do?”. Additionally, Woody received Daytime Emmy in 1982 for “The Richard Simmons Show” alongside Noreen Fraser. Woody's wife Noreen Fraser also a producer passed in 2017 following a battle with breast cancer providing a more human connection within the television history for a husband and wife working together during an era in Hollywood.
"Good Morning America" Developed Into Entertainment Giant Under Leadership of Woody Fraser
Woody Fraser was important in building the morning TV show "Good Morning America" and is also considered its first executive producer demonstrating a pivotal role for his part in building a well known morning television broadcast. "Good Morning America" became known as major entertainment programming for morning television demonstrating his impact over how news and media are consumed even to this day showing the extent of his innovations. The producer worked hard behind the scenes of multiple projects in different broadcast styles with high level impacts over his 50 year career span in the entertainment industry.
Woody Fraser’s Lasting Impact: Family Legacy Survived by His Eight Children and Three Grandchildren
Woody Fraser was 90 when he passed away with an extensive family of eight children and three grandchildren providing deep connections with family members alongside all professional achievements throughout his entire life. The family will offer additional information surrounding memorial services and related gatherings over coming days. The family made clear that all updates and public notices will become known at later date via communications with media. Nikolas Lanum from Fox News Digital is an associate editor writing many news reports which connect media to world in a rapidly growing way.
Fox News Leaders Pay Tribute To TV Legend Woody Fraser and Express Gratitude For Work Done
Fox News leaders acknowledged his impact via statements and expressed their deep sadness following death of legendary TV producer Woody Fraser. Mike Huckabee former Arkansas governor and close associate noted on X platform Fraser was his television mentor while speaking highly about contributions Woody provided in broadcast media and how much he impacted programs . Multiple colleagues including E.V. Di Massa shared various positive statements about Woody Fraser and his strong contribution in establishing iconic and diverse programs over many years. His innovations set up the structure for how shows function today with his innovative contributions which set a standard.