Hugh Downs

Birth : 1921-02-14, Akron, Ohio, USA

Death : 2020-07-01

History

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hugh Malcolm Downs (February 14, 1921 – July 1, 2020) was an American broadcaster, television host, news anchor, TV producer, author, game show host, and music composer. A regular television presence from the 1940s through the 1990s, he had several successful roles on morning television, prime time television, and late night television. Downs served as announcer/sidekick for Tonight Starring Jack Paar from 1957 to 1962, co-host of the NBC News program Today from 1962 to 1971, host of the Concentration game show from 1958 to 1969, and anchor of the ABC News magazine 20/20 from 1978 to 1999. Among other shows during his career, he also hosted the PBS talk show Over Easy, and was the sometime co-host of the syndicated talk show Not for Women Only.

Profile

Movies

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Self (Archival Footage)

From the 1960's to the 1980's, evangelist Jim Baker and his ambitious wife, Tammy Faye, rose from humble beginnings to to build an empire based on big-time evangelical Christianity--only for the couple to fall from grace because of some all-too-human sins.

Jack Paar: Smart Television

Self

PBS documentary examining the work of Jack Paar.

New York City Opera: The Merry Widow

Himself - Host

A televised production of The Merry Widow featuring behind the scenes content.

New York City Opera: A Little Night Music

Self - Host

A Little Night Music is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. Inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, it involves the romantic lives of several couples. Its title is a literal English translation of the German name for Mozart's Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major, Eine kleine Nachtmusik. The musical includes the popular song "Send in the Clowns".

The Devil Worshippers

"The Devil Worshippers" investigates Satanism and focuses on allegations that there are satanic cults committing crimes and murders in the United States. “Police have been skeptical when investigating these acts, just as we are in reporting them. But there is no question that something is going on out there, and that’s sufficient reason for ‘20/20’ to look into it.”

Oh, God! Book II

NBC Newscaster

God appears before 11-year-old Tracy Richards to ask for her help to spread his word and influence over the world which she suggests the slogan 'Think God.' Naturaly, Tracy's divorced parents think Tracy's crazy, and plot to halt her 'heaven-sent' mission to spread God's word.

Survival of Spaceship Earth

Self - Narrator / Host

Earth's environmental crisis--brought about by uncontrolled technological progress--is endangering life on a global scale. At the core of the threats to the planet - wars, overpopulation, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources - is the inadequacy of the nation state to come to terms with the surmounting problems of twentieth century living. What is urgently needed is the kind of international cooperation where nation states relinquish part of their sovereignty to a world body entrusted with the management of mankind's future.

Roxie Hart

Inexperienced Reporter (uncredited)

A café in Chicago, 1942. On a rainy night, veteran reporter Homer Howard tells an increasing audience the story of Roxie Hart and the crime she was judged for in 1927.

Woman of the Year

Hugh Downs

The story of the tumultuous marriage of a gruff sportswriter and a sophisticated international reporter who work together on the same newspaper.

Jack Paar Collection

Himself

Documentary on the first Tonight show host Jack Paar, as well as a collection of interviews, monologues, and episodes.