John Stanley Walworth

Jack Walworth

September 4, 1957 - December 18, 2024

With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Jack Walworth, a talented and dedicated producer whose work in documentary and non-fiction television spanned more than four decades and touched audiences around the world. From India to Zanzibar, Jack's productions brought far-flung cultures into homes across the globe. He was known not only for his technical mastery but for his integrity, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to the stories he told.

Beyond his accomplishments as a producer, Jack was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to many. His sense of humor, wit, and genuine kindness made him a joy to work with, whether he was managing complex logistics, offering sage advice, or simply sharing a laugh. Jack's calm demeanor under the most challenging circumstances earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and the countless individuals whose lives he touched.

A longtime producer for CBS's The Amazing Race, Jack played a pivotal role in bringing the show's captivating stories to life. Jack's logistical brilliance and unflappable attitude under pressure brought spirit and ingenuity to the many Emmy-nominated episodes he produced. Jack's relationship with one of the show's creators, Bertram van Munster, which began during their time on COPS, evolved into an enduring professional and personal friendship for over 30 years.

Before his Race days, Jack was also one of the founders of Exile Pictures with his wife Dorothy, working on a diverse array of documentary and music projects, including groundbreaking collaborations with NHK Japan in the 1980s and early '90s. He directed Live from the Bottom Line, NY, a live rock series, and orchestrated a television series on the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, immersing viewers into the heart of Cajun music and culture.

Jack's documentary work revealed a profound curiosity and reverence for the human experience. His credits include episodes of CNN's Believer exploring Haiti's religious divides and India's Aghori mystics, as well as biographical documentaries for A&E's Biography and E! True Hollywood Story, featuring icons such as Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin and Faye Dunaway. In the 1980s, Jack was active in New York's avant-garde art scene, collaborating with Dan Graham, filming performances at Squat Theatre and directing subcultural documentaries like Voguing: The Message and Stop the Violence, Rap Strikes Back, a long-form exploration of hip hop and racial justice.

Jack was born John Stanley Walworth on September 4, 1957, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Thomas Lincoln Walworth and Jane Moore Walworth. He was the third of four children in a close-knit family. A graduate of North Hills High School, Jack earned a BFA from Tufts University through the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (now SMFA at Tufts). After graduation he moved to New York City and attended the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program. As a student, Jack managed the post punk/no wave bands The Girls and The Hi Sheriffs of Blue, immersing himself in the Boston and New York art and music scenes. His love of music-its culture, its energy, and its creative potential-remained a defining part of his identity and informed his passion for storytelling throughout his life.

Jack was an avid bicyclist, often riding the 26-mile commute to The Amazing Race production offices. His love for cycling began as a teenager when he and his friend biked from Lake Louise in Banff, Canada to Pittsburgh-a passion Jack carried with him throughout his life, even during his battle with cancer. He remained active in environmental causes, serving as co-chair of the Glendale Environmental Coalition and championing initiatives from clean energy to biking infrastructure in his hometown of Glendale, California. His advocacy for solar power, the closure of the Scholl Canyon landfill, and fighting to block the construction of a biogas power plant were just a few of the causes that benefited from his tireless work. He became a member of the city's Stakeholder Technical Advisory Group in 2024 and successfully pushed the city to adopt an aggressive clean energy plan. Never one to shy away from community advocacy, he devoted countless hours to initiate changes to protect LA's local communities and planet.

At the heart of Jack's life was his devotion to his family. In 1989 he married Dorothy Low, a photographer who later became an acupuncturist and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. Together they raised their child, Montana Walworth in Southern California. Jack was very involved in Montana's life, encouraging their self-reliance and creative endeavors. The three of them shared Jack's love of adventure and often traveled around the world together.

Jack and Dorothy's deep bond carried them through his long battle with prostate cancer, which began in 2020. They embraced an integrative approach to treatment-balancing Western and Eastern medicine-a testament to Jack's resilience and their unwavering love.

Jack's passing leaves a void that can never be filled. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his child Montana, his three siblings, in-laws, and a wide circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and two beloved pups. His legacy lives on in the countless people he helped, the stories he brought to life, the causes he fought for, and the memories he created. Jack's ability to connect with anyone, his quiet strength in the face of adversity, and his unwavering dedication to his work and family will be deeply missed. His contributions to television, advocacy for the environment, and his impact on those who knew him will never be forgotten.