Robert Wilson, legendary TV producer and father to actors Luke Wilson and Owen Wilson, died on Friday. He was 75.
Luke confirmed the news to the Dallas Morning News just ahead of the weekend. He also told the Texas paper that his dad had spent the last few years battling Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a cause of death.
While his sons are both household names, Robert was a successful TV icon himself. Not only did he help launch Jim Lehrer’s career with “Newsroom” through local, public affiliate KERA in 1968 — Lehrer famously hosted PBS’ “NewsHour” from 1975-2011 — he was also responsible for bringing “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” to American television screens.
Owen even once attributed his comedy stylings to his father while promoting “Midnight in Paris” in 2011. “He worked with these great creative people with great senses of humor and I remember being at dinner and just hearing Dad’s friends talk,” he said. “I think that was for me and my brothers a big influence on what was funny.”
Robert’s declining health became noticeable that same year when he was unable to attend KERA’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Luke, Owen, and brother Andrew add that anyone wishing to pay their respects can do so by making a donation to PBS.
bookchaser on May 8th, 2017 at 03:36 UTC »
He died knowing how his children turned out as adults, and that they turned out well. That's gratifying for a parent. It's what I hope for in my life.
breachmallow on May 8th, 2017 at 02:26 UTC »
Oh RIP.
Stay strong Willie Bros.
Hope Owen doesn't take it too deep.
APurrSun on May 8th, 2017 at 01:23 UTC »
Everyone forgets Andrew Wilson until you're trying to confirm whether or not you really just ran into Owen Wilson in your favorite bar and told him you had an STD because a Jenga tile told you to tell a stranger you had an STD.