August 19, 2015
Los Angeles – Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay made the following statement upon learning of the passing of Bud Yorkin:
“As one of television’s most influential director-producers, Bud was a driving creative force behind some of most memorable and innovative sitcoms and variety shows on television, including The Jeffersons, Sanford and Son and An Evening With Fred Astaire. Through his work on All in the Family, including directing one of the original pilots, Bud helped usher in a new era of topical television with a groundbreaking mix of comedy and social commentary, making the show one of the most influential in TV history. During his 40-year career, Bud received multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award, as well as a DGA Award nomination for his television special Danny Goes It Alone (1961). A DGA member since 1955, Bud served for 14 years on the Guild's Western Directors Council beginning in 1981. The DGA extends its condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."