Russell Morash, a public television producer and director who transformed bathroom tile replacement and roof repair into enthralling TV with 'This Old House,' died on Wednesday, June 19, in Concord, Mass. He was 88.
Marian Morash, his wife, confirmed his death in a hospital and said the cause was a brain hemorrhage.
Morash was originally hired as a camera operator at public broadcaster GBH in 1958 before becoming a producer and director. He was born in Lexington, Massachusetts, on Feb. 11, 1936.
Apart from establishing 'This Old House,' which debuted in 1979 on WGBH and has since been broadcast on PBS and in syndication, he collaborated with Julia Child for over 30 years, starting as the director of 'The French Chef' in 1963. Fran Kranz portrayed Max in the recent drama series 'Julia.' He also launched the gardening show 'The Victory Garden.'
GBH called Morash a "trailblazer."
"As we celebrate the life of Russ Morash, we reflect on the legacy he leaves at GBH, public media, and beyond," Susan Goldberg, president and CEO of GBH, said. "His commitment to innovation and the audience defines our work to this day."
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences named Morash the "father of how-to television" and awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award in 2014. His enduring instructional programming for WGBH, a Boston PBS station, helped spark the DIY movement.
Adam Sharp, President & CEO of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, shared that everyone at NATAS is heartbroken to hear about Morash's passing, as he was a true icon in every word's meaning. He noted that they are thankful for the great programs he spearheaded and the great genres of TV they piloted.
