On Monday night, January 15, 2024, my beloved father-in-law, John Frederick Hamlin Jr., passed away into the arms of God at the age of 92, two months shy of his 93rd birthday. His daughter and grandson are by his side.
Hamlin has numerous accomplishments as a television executive over his decades-long career, rising to senior vice president of specials and variety programming at ABC, most notably as a consultant on the Oscars telecast. and provided advice to 45 programs. A record that most shows could have achieved in his lifetime.
“He was very unique as a television executive because he was also a full-fledged producer,” said Gary Pudney, former ABC senior vice president of special projects and senior executive of special programming and talent. Hamlin's obituary Los Angeles Times. “He knew more about producing than producers.”
Jeff Margolis, a longtime friend and colleague who directed the Oscars and other shows, echoed similar sentiments. “There has never been a more talented or passionate network executive in the history of television,” Margolis said. “He loved television.”
“One of the things I loved about working with John was that he had his finger on the pulse of television and knew what the domestic audience liked,” Margolis later added. .
Indeed, John was an Old Hollywood man. There was a time when technology reigned supreme and the audience mattered above all else. For years, John believed that broadcast television needed to return to its roots, as awards like the Oscars prioritized politics over entertainment. “The emphasis of television broadcasting must return to what the public wants: to be entertained,” he said in his later years.
This is a great loss and a sad day. John was a mentor to me and many others. I learned everything I know about Oscar from him. Rest in peace to a great man. https://t.co/cUAb3wjNQt
— Robert Mills (@Millsy11374) January 21, 2024
Jessica I will never forget your father. I was very lucky to work with him and more importantly to know him. I'm thinking of you all and praying for you.
— Robert Mills (@Millsy11374) January 22, 2024
John always said that meeting Charlie Chaplin on the night he won the honorary Oscar at the 1972 Academy Awards was the highlight of his career, but one of his fondest memories was It was the inside scoop on the infamous streaker at the 1974 Academy Awards. Truth be told, it was all planned out, and co-host David Niven's hilarious response about the man's “flaws” was pre-written.
Hamlin's list of people he worked with throughout his career includes such pedigree talent as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Bob Hope, Goldie Hawn, Bob Saget, and Sammy Davis Jr. The names were listed. He also hosted several US presidents on special programs. Presidential Gala at Ford Theater. At any given time, familiar names could be mentioned in his presence, and more often than not, he had fresh stories about them on hand to reminisce. For example, during the 1985 Oscar ceremony, which was produced by Gregory Peck, John once noted that none of that year's Best Picture nominees had enjoyed the same film, and that the film and American audiences I remembered telling my beloved actor that I started to feel that the rift between us was starting to widen.as office number Ghost Busters.
It took more than 30 more years for his suspicions to be confirmed.
John Hamlin, longtime consultant for the Oscars telecast, dies at age 92 https://t.co/S5BNHolby5
— Variety (@Variety) January 21, 2024
As for myself, from 2012 to 2018, he was a guest at Oscar rehearsals and gave me precious memories that I will never be able to recreate, whether it was drinking coffee in the dressing room or watching a movie. I will always be grateful to John. Legendary musicians like U2 and Adele rehearse attention-grabbing numbers in preparation for the big night. When I had the privilege of witnessing Shirley Bassey rehearse “Goldfinger” in 2013 for that year’s James Bond tribute performance, I knew I had hit the jackpot. A piece of movie history unfolded before my eyes. It's all thanks to the man who took me in as his son-in-law.
John's passion was matched by his physical strength. I first met him in 2011, on his 80th birthday, and every year around Oscar time, he flexes his muscles to become the show's oldest living consultant. I worked on it. This is no easy feat even for an able-bodied 25-year-old, but for an 80-plus-year-old man, it's hard to imagine spending a week roaming the hallways of a vast theater complex advising executives on perhaps the world's biggest television event. It won't be easy to live through it. People all over the world, I am in awe of his tenacity beyond his years. He continued this tradition until he finally retired in 2018 when his legs could no longer handle the pressure.
In 2012, he gave me his daughter's hand in marriage. I quickly learned of his boundless generosity. John helped us whenever we needed him and he never asked for anything in return.
Life goes on and time gives me many new and exciting memories, but these 12 years of knowing him will always be a special part of my life, and I know that God has brought me into His home. I will keep it in mind until the day you call me.
Pace Recuescat, old friend.
Hamlin was preceded in death by a son and a daughter and is survived by two daughters, one son, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His family asks for donations to his favorite charity – wounded warrior project and american paralyzed veterans.
