Jud Taylor | |
---|---|
Born |
Judson Taylor February 25, 1932 New York City, New York. U.S. |
Died | August 6, 2008 New York City, New York, U.S. |
(aged 76)
Other names | Alan Smithee |
Occupation | Actor, television director, television producer |
Years active | 1965-2004 |
Spouse(s) | Lynn Kressel (1 daughter) |
Judson "Jud" Taylor (February 25, 1932 – August 6, 2008) was an American actor, television director and television producer.
Taylor is perhaps best known for his directorial work on 1960s television classics such as Star Trek, Dr. Kildare, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.. In the early 2000s, he directed several episodes of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Taylor also directed more than 40 made-for-TV movies, including the award-winning Tail Gunner Joe and Foxfire, and the final film appearances of both Susan Hayward (in Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole (1972)) and David Janssen (in City in Fear (1980)).
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, prior to becoming an established director, Taylor worked as an actor. He had a recurring role on Dr. Kildare as "Dr. Gerson". He appeared in several episodes of The Fugitive and Twelve O'Clock High playing different characters. Other TV programs in which he had small roles included Gunsmoke, Men of Annapolis, and Wagon Train. He also played the part of Goff in the feature film The Great Escape.
Taylor was vice-president of the Directors Guild of America from 1977 to 1981, and president from 1981 to 1983.