Dwight Hemion, Concert & Variety TV Show Producer, Dies

Director / Producer Dwight Hemion died on Monday January 28 at his home in Rectortown, VA at age 81, due to a renal failure.  Hemion is recognized for his pioneering work in televised concerts and variety specials, and worked opposite stars including Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra – and worked closely with producer Gary Smith for much of his career.

A highly-honored craftsman, Hemion received 47 Emmy Award Nominations, winning 18 for programs including "Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music" (1965), "Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back" (1977), and "Baryshnikov on Broadway (1980; plus awards for directing the Kennedy Center Honors in 1989 and 1990.

Hemion created memorable television moments, including star turns by Liza Minnelli and Baryshnikov singing "One" from A Chorus Line, and Barbra Streisand's endearing "Second Hand Rose" from her legendary My Name is Barbra concert. He helmed a PBS televised concert of Phantom star Michael Crawford; and also directed presidential inaugurals of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

His directing credits include "The Cheryl Ladd Special," "The Television Academy Hall of Fame," "Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers," "Neil Diamond: The Christmas Special," "Christmas in Washington."

Other producing credits include "Disney's Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra," "Dorothy Hamill in Romeo & Juliet on Ice," "Las Vegas: Palace of Stars," and "The 17th Annual People's Choice Awards."

With George Stevens Jr, the founding producer of the Kennedy Center Honors, Hemion produced projects such as the annual "Christmas in Washington" shows taped at the National Building Museum.

Dwight Arlington Hemion was born March 14, 1926, in New Haven and was raised in Verona, New Jersey.  He got his foot into "the business" as a gofer at ABC-TV in New York and established himself with two 1965 Emmy nominations. His many wins included shows featuring the likes of Broadway's Ben Vereen, composer/lyricist Burt Bacharach and Hollywood starlet Goldie Hawn. He twice won for directing "Barbra Streisand ... and Other Musical Instruments" (1973) and "Barbra Streisand: The Concert" (1994).

Hemion is survived by his wife of 34 years, Katherine Morrissy "Kit" Hemion; two children from his first marriage, Katherine E. Hemion of London and Dwight G. Hemion of Alma, Wisconsin; three stepchildren, Anne Brady of Far Hills, New Jersey, Katherine Vanoff of Upperville, Virginia, and Peter Lusk of Pound Ridge, New York.; and six grandchildren.

Photo of Dwight Hemion