Oscar Producer Gil Cates Dies at 77

Gil Cates Gil Cates, a director and producer who produced accurate documentation 14 Academy awards telecasts in 18 years, has died. He was 77.Cates' body is discovered Monday round the campus of UCLA, where he was the founding dean in the School of Theater, Film and tv. The La County Coroner's Office is considering the reason behind dying.See stars who died this seasonInchOur entire TFT community is very saddened by losing our beloved mentor, colleagueand friend," Teri Schwartz, dean in the UCLA School of Theater, Film and tv, mentioned in the statement."Gil was our friend, our friend together with an old governor in the academy," mentioned Tom Sherak, leader in the Academy of motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "He will be a consummate professional who gave the academy as well as the world most likely the wedding moments in Oscar history. His passing can be a tremendous loss for the entertainment industry, and our ideas visit his family."Cates was credited for revamping the Oscar telecasts, tapping comics for instance Billy Very, Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock and David Letterman to host. He won an Emmy for creating the 63rd Academy awards and last produced the 80th annual ceremony in 2008.Have the relaxation of current day newsA NY City native, Cates' career spans film, television and theater. He directed numerous films, including I Never Sang for My Father as well as the George Burns comedy Oh, God! Book II. His was Emmy-nominated for his TV movies Consenting Adult about homosexuality and Do You Realize the Muffin Guy? about child molestation.Cates, whose niece is Phoebe Cates, also founded the Geffen Playhouse and offered as Company company directors Guild of America leader from 1983 to 1987.