I have attended many an event, award show, and tribute over the years but none, in recent memory, were as moving as The Tribute to Mike Douglas yesterday.
For two decades The Mike Douglas Show was an institution on American television. In those 20 years virtually all the great performers, actors, comics, singers - and many sports figures and statesmen appeared on the show. Even Presidents would grace Mike's stage.
The beautifully organized event was held at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, home of the Emmy ® award. And attended by hundreds of television industry folks including former guests of the show, co-hosts, heads of studios, producers, show staff, and press.
From the testimonials it quickly became clear how deeply this kind and gentle man had touched so many. Here show creator Woody Fraser and former show producer, now head of Fox Television, Roger Ailes reminisce about Mike Douglas.
Over and over I heard what a thoughtful, generous, honest, and all around nice guy Mike Douglas was. He made all feel welcome, at ease, and important. Always taking time for everyone and open to giving a chance to new talent. During the speeches one commented that, "Mike Douglas was a moral compass for all of us in television, for those years"... going on to say that he set a standard of integrity and fair treatment. Mike gave equal opportunity to all, a pioneer of equality, opening the door for many whom had found it closed in the past.
I am honored to have been a part of this historical and memorable event, thankful to television producer, creator of such shows as Hollywood Squares & CHiP's, and former producer of the Mike Douglas Show, Rick Rosner for involving me. Rick is seen here with actress and singer Della Reese.
I am pictured here flanked by prominent television executive and head of the Television Academy, Alan Perris and writer / motivator / pro athlete, Kamy Bruder (on the right). It is worth noting Kamy's touching and moving recounting of his experience attending the Mike Douglas Tribute in his blog entry.
on The Mike Douglas Show.
Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara brought a bit of levity to the occasion joking about their days as co-hosts and guests on the show.
Fox Television Chairman, Roger Ailes shares a touching moment of remembrance with Mike's very sweet and dear widow Ms. Douglas.
Television Academy COO, Alan Perris also shares a moment with Ms. Douglas.
Pictured here (L to R), former Mike Douglas show producers Roger Ailes, Rick Rosner, Launa Newman-Minson, and Larry Rosen.
Mike Douglas passed away in August, on his 81st birthday.
Please make contributions to the Mike Douglas Memorial Fund at
The Tiger Woods Foundation 121 Innovation Drive, Irvine, CA 92617
View Program Cover View Program Inside
Photos by Ryu Kodama
(official Mike Douglas Tribute photographer)
More Photos from the Tribute...
The Emmy ® statuette is the copyrighted property of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS/NATAS). ATAS/NATAS also own trademarks for the Emmy ® name and the Emmy ® statuette.
Comments (1)
I really feel the sense of love and reminiscence from your writing. I have never seen his show but I bet he was a great guy to be still loved by so many.
I can't wait for the photos to be up.
Posted by Reimi | October 26, 2006 8:24 AM
Posted on October 26, 2006 08:24