19 Facts About Garry Simpson

Garry Chalmers Simpson was an American director, writer, and producer for more than 35 years.

Garry Simpson was known for having directing credits on The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre, Four Star Revue, Armstrong Circle Theatre, and Mary Kay and Johnny, the first sitcom to be broadcast on network television.

Garry Simpson was born to parents Robert Edwin and Edna Simpson.

Garry Simpson's father was an optometrist and his mother was an editor for the local newspaper.

Garry Simpson's family moved from Jackson to Denver, Colorado when he was five years old.

Garry Simpson graduated from San Jose High School in 1932.

Garry Simpson concluded his studies at Stanford University in 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and drama.

Garry Simpson was offered a scholarship to the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, which he accepted - to the embarrassment of his family, refusing his appointment at West Point.

In 1939, Garry Simpson was hired as an actor and director's assistant for the Globe Shakespearean Company at the New York World's Fair.

Garry Simpson learned that RCA was hiring a promotional unit to demonstrate home TV receivers, a new phenomenon, in department stores across the country.

Garry Simpson worked every show that was produced in the studio.

Garry Simpson directed sporting events and was assigned to supervise the film operations.

Garry Simpson went on to direct hundreds of television programs, sporting events and broadcasts, most notably, Wide Wide World, Armstrong Circle Theatre, Campbell's Soundstage, Ford Festival, The Danny Thomas Show, The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre, and Mary Kay and Johnny, the first sitcom broadcast on network television in the US It was the first time a couple was shown sharing a bed and a pregnancy on TV.

Garry Simpson directed the first-ever broadcast of heavyweight boxing, baseball and horse racing.

Garry Simpson was director of films for the US Signal Corps and the Energy Commission, director of industrial shows for Depicto Films, General Motors, and Armstrong Cork.

Garry Simpson served as director of the Saratoga Summer Theatre, was a guest instructor at the American Theatre Wing, and produced Educational television programs on the Regents TV Project for the state of New York.

Garry Simpson wed his wife Kathleen McLean on November 23,1940.

In 1979, Garry Simpson retired from ETV and teaching at the University of Vermont, but he never rested.

Garry Simpson died on November 19,2011, at his home in Middlebury, Vermont at the age of 97.