Peter Werner

For the German lightweight rower, see Peter Werner (rower).

Peter Werner
Publicity Photo of Peter Werner
Born(1947-01-17)January 17, 1947
New York City, New York, U.S.
DiedMarch 21, 2023(2023-03-21) (aged 76)
Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.
Occupation(s)Film, television director
Years active1971–2019
Spouse(s)Marie Ashton (divorced)
Kedren Jones
Children3
Parent(s)Elizabeth Grumbach Werner
Henry Werner
FamilyTom Werner (brother)

Peter H. Werner (January 17, 1947 – March 21, 2023) was an American film and television director. His 1976 film, In the Region of Ice, won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

Biography

Werner was born to a Jewish family,[1] in New York City, New York, one of three children born to Elizabeth (née Grumbach) and Henry Werner.[2] He had one sister, Patsy Werner Hanson, and one brother, Tom Werner.[2]

In 1977, Werner won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film for directing the short film In the Region of Ice.[3] Since then he worked on primarily directing television amassing a number of television film credits namely Mama Flora's Family, Two Mothers for Zachary, Call Me Claus, I Married a Centerfold,[4] Gracie's Choice, Mom at Sixteen, Tempting Fate, among other films including Front of the Class (2008).[5]

His television series credits include Ghost Whisperer, Medium, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, A Different World, The Wonder Years, Moonlighting, and for the Graham Yost series Boomtown and Justified, among other series. He also directed a television movie in 2010 called Bond of Silence.

Personal life and death

Werner's first wife was Marie Ashton; they later divorced.[6] His second wife was Kedren Jones.[6] Werner was the father of three children: Lillie Werner Singh, Katharine Werner, and James Werner. He was the older brother of television producer Tom Werner.[7]

Werner died of heart complications following a torn aorta in Wilmington, North Carolina, on March 21, 2023. He was 76.[8]

References

  1. ^ Silbiger, Steve The Jewish Phenomenon: Seven Keys to the Enduring Wealth of a People p. 91
  2. ^ a b New York Times: "Paid Notice: Deaths WERNER, ELIZABETH GRUMBACH" February 17, 2003
  3. ^ Peter Werner at The Official Academy Awards Database
  4. ^ "I Married A Centerfold". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 13, 2013.
  5. ^ Memphis Jewish Film Festival: "FRONT OF THE CLASS" retrieved February 29, 2016
  6. ^ a b New York Times: "Weddings/Celebrations: Lillie Werner, Arun Singh" May 4, 2014
  7. ^ Peter Werner at FilmBug.com
  8. ^ Andreeva, Nellie. "Peter Werner Dies: Prolific TV Director & Oscar Winner Was 76". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 21, 2023.