Yahoo Movies Marty Pasetta Dies: Longtime Director Of Academy Awards Telecasts Was 82
Marty Pasetta, best known as director of Academy Awards telecasts for most of the 1970s and ’80s, has died. Pasetta died after he was struck by a car he had just exited Thursday night in La Quinta, CA. He was 82.
The driver of the car had dropped off Pasetta and another passenger, and subsequently exited the car but left the transmission engaged, according to the Desert Sun. The car then struck both passengers. Pasetta died at the scene and the other passenger was transported to Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, police said.
In addition to his Oscarcast and several AFI Life Achievement Award ceremonies, Pasetta directed multiple Grammy Awards and other awards events. His AFI tributes included Alfred Hitchcock, Henry Fonda, Fred Astaire and Frank Capra. He also worked on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and The Everly Brothers Show and had multiple TV movie credits.
Pasetta also directed Elvis Presley’s 1973 Aloha From Hawaii concert and TV specials The Beach Boys: 25 Years Together, Paul Anka: Music My Way and Bing Crosby And His Friends. He also produced and directed America’s All-Star Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor hosted by Bob Hope in 1989 at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs as the second major fundraiser for the venue. Pasetta also directed inaugural galas for Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
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