Biography
George Schlatter has had a long and distinguished career as a producer, director, and writer, creating hundreds of hours of television series and specials. He revolutionized television with groundbreaking shows like Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1967) and Real People (1979). Throughout his career, Schlatter has earned numerous accolades, including 25 Emmy nominations, five Emmy wins, three Image Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Television Critics Awards, the International Radio & Television "Man of the Year" Award, Directors Guild Award, and the Producers Guild "Man of The Year" Award, among others. The Television Academy honored him for his exceptional contributions during its 25th Anniversary, and in 1989, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1992, Paul Newman and Frank Sinatra paid tribute to him at a dinner hosted by the Scott Newman Center, recognizing his showmanship and charitable work. The Museum of Television & Radio also honored him in 1996 for his impact on television.
Fifteen years ago, Schlatter founded the American Comedy Awards, an annual televised event celebrating the achievements of comedic actors and performers. Reflecting on his career, he states, "Of all the work I've done, I am perhaps most proud of my role in launching the careers of talents such as Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, Roseanne Barr, Robin Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, and others who have reached great success. While working with stars is rewarding, helping to create them is the most fulfilling accomplishment."
With over three decades of experience in network television, Schlatter produced the first five years of the Grammy Awards, along with specials and series featuring legends like Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Eddie Murphy, Cher, Elton John, Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Liza Minnelli, Michael Jackson, Doris Day, Jonathan Winters, Richard Pryor, Shirley MacLaine, Bill Cosby, Lucille Ball, Jackie Gleason, Diana Ross, Lena Horne, Dinah Shore, Nat 'King' Cole, and many others.
To celebrate Frank Sinatra's 80th birthday, Schlatter produced the Emmy-winning and critically acclaimed special Sinatra: 80 Years My Way (1995). His recent projects include the 15th Annual American Comedy Awards, the American Film Institute Life Achievement Awards tributes to Dustin Hoffman (1999) and Harrison Ford, the 54th Presidential Inaugural Opening Ceremonies, and Muhammad Ali's 60th Birthday Celebration.
In recent years, he has produced notable programs such as Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In: 25th Anniversary Reunion (1993), the Emmy-winning Sammy Davis Jr.'s 60th Anniversary Celebration, Muhammad Ali's 50th Birthday Celebration, Frank Sinatra's 75th Birthday Celebration, the 25th Anniversary of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, the USO 50th Anniversary Welcome Home America, Comedy Hall of Fame Specials, A Party for Richard Pryor, The People's Choice Awards, Frank, Liza and Sammy: The Ultimate Event, the American Television Awards, and the Thanksgiving Special Sinatra Duets. Schlatter is married to former actress Jolene Brand, known for her regular role on The Ernie Kovacs Show (1952). They have two daughters: Andrea Justine, a champion equestrian rider, and Maria S. Schlatter, an Emmy-winning television producer.
