Jeffrey Margolis Obituary

Award-winning television executive producer and director Jeff Margolis has passed away at the age of 78. Jeff was a devoted family man whose greatest joy came from spending time with the people he loved. His roles as a father, husband, grandfather, friend, and mentor only begin to capture the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him. His boundless affection touched countless lives over the years.

Jeff's legendary career in television began humbly, holding cue cards for his uncle, Monty Hall, on Let's Make a Deal. From those early days, he rose to become one of the most prolific and respected producers and directors in the world of variety television. Over several decades, he shaped some of the industry's most iconic broadcasts - including eight years directing the Academy Awards, 22 years at the helm of the American Music Awards, and 16 years producing the Screen Actors Guild Awards. His signature vision also brought to life specials for legends such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Elizabeth Taylor.

His work reflected not just a passion for entertainment, but a rare ability to connect with audiences and colleagues alike - always with warmth, generosity, and genuine care. In 2024, he published his memoir, We're Live in 5: My Extraordinary Life in Television, offering a candid and heartfelt account of his remarkable journey through show business.

Jeff Margolis was deeply loved - by family, by friends, by the countless people who had the privilege of working with him, and by many more who were touched by his artistry. He is survived by his children, Adam, Erin, and Samantha, and his grandsons, Max and Milo. He leaves behind a legacy of era-defining television, familial closeness, and love.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Amyloidosis Foundation in Jeff's name at https://www.amyloidosis.org/.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on May 28, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Margolis

4 Entries

Ian Hamilton

July 15, 2025

I always called Jeff my 'American brother'. We did the same job on different sides of the Atlantic. I first met Jeff in 1989 and we became firm friends. In later years, like me, he became exasperated with the way the TV business was going, but he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of shows. RIP my friend.

Mark Weber

July 1, 2025

I did many shows with Jeff. I did deck audio and I always enjoyed working with and for him. He knew what he was doing and was able to get the results he wanted without showing a lot of ego in doing it. He was always positive and pleasant and I liked him a lot.

Barbara Trager

June 23, 2025

His sister was a roommate of mine in college. I met their family only once, but they were very gracious. I followed his career and admired his work.

Jeffery Goddard

June 12, 2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/19ByV9FWgo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I lost one of my dearest friends today.

Jeff Margolis wasn´t just a legend in Hollywood-though by every measure, he was. Over four decades, he directed some of the most iconic live television events, from the Oscars and Emmys to the American Music Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. He brought magic to the screen, capturing unforgettable moments with grace, precision, and heart. He worked with legends like Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Midler, and Cher, and shaped the way millions of people experienced live television.

But beyond the spotlight and red carpets, Jeff was simply one of the kindest, dearest men I have ever been blessed to know.

For the past few months, I knew the end was drawing near. I had been taking Jeff to the hospital nearly every other week, each visit a quiet reminder of just how precious our time together was. Through it all, his warmth, humor, and strength never wavered.

He passed away Friday in Nashville at 78. The loss is profound-not just for me, but for everyone who had the honor of knowing him or experiencing his work. As the SAG Awards Committee so beautifully put it: "Jeff Margolis created some of the most unforgettable moments in awards show history... We are profoundly grateful for his contributions and will miss him dearly."

I´m so sad. My heart is heavy. But I´m also so incredibly grateful-for the friendship, the memories, and the love. Rest easy, Jeff. You gave so much to this world, and you´ll never be forgotten.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results