Three-time Emmy winner, 'Donahue' fame Ron Weiner (93) dies
Renowned Hollywood director Ron Weiner, famed for his work on the talk show The Phil Donahue Show, has died at the age of 93. His family confirmed that he passed away on March 18, although the cause of his death remains undisclosed. Weiner had a notable 25-year career at WGN Chicago, a station owned by the Chicago Tribune. He is survived by his four children and two grandchildren. May his soul rest in peace.
Weiner's career: A life dedicated to television
Born in Chicago in 1930, Weiner was the first member of his family to pursue higher education. He attended the University of Illinois at Navy Pier before graduating from Columbia College with a degree in speech. After serving as a communications officer at Naval Station Argentina, he launched his television career with WGN-TV in 1956. Before his big breakthrough, Weiner was also a part of the TV series Garfield Goose and Friends (1956-1972).
Weiner's rise to fame in the television industry
Starting as a prop man, Weiner quickly ascended to become a staff director by 1960. He directed various programs for WGN until 1974 when he was selected to direct Donahue after producer-writer-host Phil Donahue moved his talk show to WGN. This opportunity led him to win a staggering three Daytime Emmy Awards from seven nominations for exceptional individual direction for a talk or service show/variety program.
Weiner's post 'Donahue' career and contributions
After tasting success with Donahue, Weiner continued to direct other talk shows and pilots for Tribune Broadcasting. Per Variety, his portfolio also included directing shows like How to Be a No-Limit Person with Wayne Dyer, The World of Anne Frank, and An Evening with B.B. King. In addition to his directorial work, Weiner also provided voice-overs for television and radio commercials.
Weiner's impact beyond television
Beyond his successful television career, he was an educator, teaching television direction at Columbia College for many years. He actively participated in the arts community, serving on boards such as the Shakespeare Project of Chicago, the North Shore Chamber Orchestra Society, and the Chicago coordinating committee of the Directors Guild of America. In 2003, he received the Chicago/Midwest Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his contributions.