Bruce Bilson
American film and television director (1928–2026)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bruce Bilson (May 19, 1928 – January 16, 2026) was an American film and television director. He is most notable for his work as a regular director on the spy spoof Get Smart. He won the 1967–1968 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for the third season Get Smart episode "Maxwell Smart, Private Eye".
Bruce Bilson | |
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| Born | May 19, 1928 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | January 16, 2026 (aged 97) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | UCLA |
| Occupations | Director, producer, screenwriter |
| Years active | 1955–2006 |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 2, including Danny Bilson |
| Relatives | Rachel Bilson (granddaughter) |
Early life and career
Bilson was born in Brooklyn on May 19, 1928, to Jewish parents. His mother, Hattie Bilson (née Dratwa; 1907–2004), was an American screenwriter, and his father, George Bilson (1902–1981), was a British producer/writer/director of Ashkenazi Jewish descent who was born in Leeds, England.[1] His brother, Malcolm is a fortepianist and professor of piano at Cornell University.
He graduated from UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television in 1950.[2][3]
Personal life and death
Bilson married Mona Weichman on August 31, 1955; they divorced in 1976. They had two children, Danny Bilson (born 1956), a film and video game writer/producer and father of actress Rachel Bilson, and Julie Ahlberg, a film producer.[4]
In 1981, he married Renne Jarrett.[citation needed]
Bilson died at his home in Los Angeles, California on January 16, 2026, at the age of 97.[5]
Filmography
Film
- Pate Katelin en Buenos Aires (1969)
- The Girl Who Came Gift-Wrapped (1974)
- The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West (1976)
- The North Avenue Irregulars (1979)
- Chattanooga Choo Choo (1984)
Television
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