August 6, 2008
LOS ANGELES, CA — Directors Guild of America President Michael Apted made the following statement on the passing of DGA Past President Jud Taylor:
"As a leader in the Guild, Jud Taylor embraced some of the most forward-thinking political and economic issues of the day – whether he was heading a negotiating team, improving the DGA Pension and Health Plans, or leading a creative rights discussion. Jud’s presidency was also significant for the advances he made in affirmative action provisions for women and minorities.
"For his many years of dedication to the DGA, Jud was honored with the Robert B. Aldrich Award for Extraordinary Service to the Guild, which happened to be named after the director who launched Jud’s earlier career as an actor.
“We were fortunate to have Jud to rely on over so many years. We will miss his wise counsel."
DGA Service and Awards
Jud Taylor served as President of the Directors Guild of America from 1981 to 1983. Previously, from 1977-1981, Taylor was DGA Vice President, spearheading a study of the DGA Pension and Health plans which led to significant improvements. In 1981, he chaired the DGA's Negotiating Committee which brought about a contract that provided important gains for Guild members, including improved economic and creative rights, as well as affirmative action provisions for women and ethnic minorities. In 1973 he participated in contract negotiations as a member of the Creative Rights Committee. Taylor served as an Alternate on the DGA National Board from 1975 to 1977, then as a National Board member from 1977 to 1983.
The veteran of more than 40 made-for-TV movies, Taylor won the Directors Guild of America Outstanding Directorial Achievement Award for his direction of Foxfire (1987), and an Emmy Award nomination for his direction of Tail Gunner Joe (1977). Taylor's other made-for-television movies include Clover (1997), The Old Man and the Sea (1990), Out of the Darkness (1985), A Question of Honor (1982), and Flesh & Blood (1979). He also directed numerous television series including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Fugitive, and several episodes of Star Trek. In 2003, Jud Taylor received the Robert B. Aldrich Award for Extraordinary Service to the Guild.