Jerry Foley, the esteemed director of David Letterman's late night talk shows, has tragically passed away at the age of 68. The veteran TV director lost his life on March 10 following a skiing accident in Vermont, as confirmed by TV producer Kim Reynolds, who shared the heartbreaking news with The Hollywood Reporter.
Born in 1955 and raised in Staten Island, Jerry Foley dedicated 25 years of his career to serving as the director and supervising producer of Letterman's iconic late night programs. His remarkable talent in capturing the host's spontaneous and unpredictable comedy antics in the control room was unparalleled.
In a 2009 interview with DGA Quarterly, Foley emphasized the importance of not overshadowing the performance but rather enhancing it. His ability to seamlessly switch between shots of Letterman, guests, and the show's surroundings showcased his exceptional skill and dedication to his craft.
A graduate of USC, Foley began his journey with Letterman as the technical director of NBC's Late Night With David Letterman before transitioning to CBS' Late Show With David Letterman. In 1995, he assumed the role of director and continued in that capacity until the show's conclusion in May 2015.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jerry Foley received numerous accolades, including 24 Emmy Award nominations and nine DGA Award nominations, setting a record for his work on a variety TV series. His contribution to late night television amounted to nearly 4,000 hours of directing, shaping some of the most iconic moments in music and TV history.
Aside from his work with Letterman, Foley's credits extended to producing and directing various projects, such as the America Salutes You benefit concert for Sinclair Networks and the NBC primetime special Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet to Come in 2016.
Jerry Foley's legacy as the driving force behind the Late Show With David Letterman will forever be remembered by his colleagues and audiences alike. His quick wit, humor, and unmatched talent have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Marie, son Quinn, and siblings Kevin, James, and Eileen. The loss of Jerry Foley is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working with him and witnessing his extraordinary contributions to television.
