Jack Haley Jr.


John Joseph Haley III, known as Jack Haley, Jr., was an American director, producer, and writer, and a two-time Emmy Award recipient. His credits include directing the 1974 compilation film That's Entertainment!.
On September 15, 1974 Haley married Liza Minnelli, the daughter of Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli. Garland starred with his father, Jack Haley, in The Wizard of Oz.

Early life

Haley was born on October 25, 1933, in Los Angeles, the son of Florence and Jack Haley, an actor and comedian. He attended Loyola Marymount University, and later studied filmmaking at USC and UCLA.

Career

With David Wolper, Haley produced the original run of Biography from 1961 to 1962. He co-wrote, directed and produced Hollywood and the Stars, which was broadcast on NBC during the 1963-1964 television season.
As a producer, Haley was responsible for compilations and documentaries about film history, including That's Entertainment!, That's Dancing! and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic, narrated by Angela Lansbury. Haley's other credits include producer and executive producer of Academy Awards presentation shows. He directed the 1970 film Norwood and the 1971 film The Love Machine.
Unreleased footage shot while he was married to Liza Minnelli is featured in the 2024 documentary, Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story.

Death

Haley died of respiratory failure on April 21, 2001, in Santa Monica, California. He is buried in Culver City's Holy Cross Cemetery.
After his death, his former wife stated, "Jack was the first one to remind the general public of our heritage. America's royalty is our entertainers, who have given so much to the world."

Awards and honors

Peabody Award

Primetime Emmy Awards

Directors Guild of America

NAACP Image Awards

Monte-Carlo Television Festival

Venice Film Festival

Western Heritage Awards

Western Writers of America

YearAssociationCategoryNominated workResult
1995Spur AwardBest Documentary Script100 Years of the Hollywood WesternWon