May 5, 2017
Los Angeles – Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay, Secretary-Treasurer Michael Apted, and National Executive Director Jay D. Roth made the following statements upon learning of the passing of former DGA National Vice President Ed Sherin:
“We are deeply saddened to learn today of the passing of Ed Sherin, whose membership in this Guild spanned more than five decades and whose service was immeasurable,” said Barclay. “Many of us worked with Ed for decades, either in Guild leadership or on Law & Order, the seminal New York-based television show he directed and produced for years. Ed loved the Guild, and though he was passionate about the East Coast and revitalizing New York production in particular, his tireless advocacy was always on behalf of all our members. Above all, Ed believed deeply that the more unified we were as a Guild, and the more we reached out and supported each other, the stronger we would become, and he was absolutely right. We will miss him greatly.”
“Our hearts are heavy today as we remember our dear friend and colleague Ed, whose legacy as a director, commitment to our Guild, and strength and fervor in his service were an example for us all,” said Apted, who was DGA President when Ed was National Vice President. “Through Law & Order and his passion for mentorship, he gave critical first-break opportunities to more episodic directors, assistant directors and UPMs than perhaps any other member in the Guild’s history. And during his tenure as National Vice President, our presence on the East Coast grew immensely through his work to embed our Guild in the business, culture and landscape of New York including our revitalized New York headquarters and DGA Honors, our signature New York event. Ed was the rising tide that lifted all the boats around him. His ability to make the tough calls and tough decisions prioritized the unity of our membership and greater good. When he was by your side, you knew there was nothing you couldn’t accomplish. ”
“Ed loved life, loved people and he loved his Guild. He attacked problems with commitment and conviction. His leadership and energy not only reinvigorated the New York membership but also inspired many others to become involved in Guild service,” said Roth. “As National Vice President, he knew that getting active working members directly involved in Guild leadership was critical to making sure that the Guild’s membership was represented by those who truly understood the issues directors and their teams faced daily. His role as a leader to establish working-in-trade rules for leadership in the 1990s ensured that the Guild continues to be led by active working members to this day, creating a lasting legacy of effective and committed service and leadership. And most importantly, Ed was a caring and loyal friend. My thoughts are with Jane, his family and the many Guild members whose lives he touched.”
Ed Sherin Career:
Edwin Sherin attended Brown University, then served in the armed forces during the Korean War. Sherin began acting in theater and television, and eventually discovered that directing was his passion. He went on to direct many successful Broadway productions, including the Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winning The Great White Hope.
After his success in the theater, he was hired to direct the film Valdez is Coming with Burt Lancaster, followed by Glory Boy (aka My Old Man’s Place), starring Michael Moriarty. King Lear brought him accolades as a director in the movies for television genre, which led to other noted television films such as Lena: My 100 Children and The Father Clements Story. He was most known for his longtime work directing and executive producing the iconic series Law & Order which launched an enduring franchise. Sherin also directed numerous successful series like Hill Street Blues, Moonlighting, L.A. Law, Homicide: Life on the Street and Medium.
For his work in theater, he received a Drama Desk Award for The Great White Hope and a Tony nomination for Find Your Way Home, as well as the New York Drama Critics Award and an Off-Broadway Obie Award. For his work in television, Sherin has won a Producers Guild Award, an International Monitor Award, eight Emmy nominations and an Emmy Award for his work on the acclaimed series Law & Order.
DGA Service and Awards:
Ed Sherin joined the DGA in 1969. He served on the DGA National Board for 15 years, including three terms as National Vice President from 1997-2003 and two terms as Second Vice President from 2003-2007. During his tenure, he oversaw the renovation of the DGA’s New York building and was instrumental in the establishment of DGA Honors, the Guild’s celebration of filmmakers and leaders in labor, government and business who have made contributions to American culture. He also served on the Eastern Directors Council since 1996 and was a member of the 2008 and 2011 Negotiating Committees as well as the DGA Task Force on Social Responsibility, the Directors Guild Foundation Board of Trustees and the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plan.
In recognition of his extraordinary service to the Guild, Sherin was awarded the Robert B. Aldrich Achievement Award in 2002 and the DGA Honorary Life Member Award in 2012.