Ron Weiner, a prominent figure in the television industry, has sadly passed away at the age of 93. Weiner, a Daytime Emmy-winning director known for his work on Donahue and his long tenure at WGN Chicago, left a lasting impact on the world of television.
Born in 1930 in Chicago, Weiner was a trailblazer in his family, being the first to pursue higher education. He began his academic journey at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier before earning a bachelor's degree in speech from Columbia College. Following his education, Weiner served as a communications officer at Naval Station Argentia after attending the Navy's Officer Candidate School.
In 1956, Weiner embarked on his television career at WGN-TV, a station owned by the Chicago Tribune. Starting as a prop man, he steadily climbed the ranks and became a staff director by 1960. His talent and dedication led him to direct various programs at WGN before landing the role of director for the renowned talk show, Donahue, when it moved to WGN in 1974.
Weiner's exceptional work on Donahue earned him three Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding individual direction. Throughout his career, he was nominated for a total of seven Emmys, showcasing his remarkable talent and contribution to the television industry.
Following his success with Donahue, Weiner continued to work on other talk shows and pilots for Tribune Broadcasting. He also lent his voice to commercial projects for television and radio, showcasing his versatility and creativity.
Aside from his professional accomplishments, Weiner was a dedicated educator, teaching television direction classes at Columbia College for many years. He was also actively involved in the arts community, serving on the boards of various organizations and receiving accolades such as the Chicago/Midwest Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2003.
Weiner's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He was a loving husband to Phyllis Weiner for 53 years until her passing in 2008. He is survived by his four children, Deborah, Lauren, Vicki, and Howard, as well as his two grandchildren, Griffin and Jameer.
Ron Weiner's contributions to the television industry and his impact on those around him will be remembered and cherished by many. His passion, talent, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of television.
