Jack Shea is a film and television director whose credits include such iconic series as Sanford and Son (1972-1974) and The Jeffersons (1975-1979). While Shea served in the Korean War, he worked in the Motion Picture and Television Unit of the Air Force. After his service, he worked in television as an Assistant Director and pursued a career in directing. Shea began working as a director in 1958, first on Television Specials like The Jerry Lewis Show. He continue directing well into the 1990's, with credits including The Bob Hope Show (1956-1966), The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour (1969), as well as series such as Sanford and Son, The Waltons (1972-1975), The Jeffersons (1975-1979), The Golden Girls (1986), Designing Women (1986-1988), Full House (1989), Growing Pains (1991), and Sister, Sister (1995-1996).
Shea earned an Emmy nomination in 1961 for his work on The Bob Hope Buick Hour and in 1987 for Designing Women. In addition to his extensive work on comedy series, Shea also directed several movies for television, as well as two feature films, Dayton Devils (1968) and The Monitors (1969).
Jack Shea was a Guild member for over half a century. He was president of the Hollywood local of the Radio and Television Directors Guild when it merged with the Screen Directors Guild in 1960. Following the merger, he was elected to the DGA’s National Board, where he served for more than 35 years. Shea held various positions on the Board including one term as Vice President, two terms as Secretary and multiple terms as a Board Officer before serving as DGA President from 1997-2002. He was also a long-time presence on the Western Directors Council and served on numerous committees, including the Negotiations Committee, which he chaired in 1996, as well as the Residency Committee, the Organizing Committee and the New York Theatre Committee. He also chaired the DGA Foundation and the DGA Awards Dinner. In 1992, Shea was honored with the Robert B. Aldrich Award for extraordinary service to the DGA and its membership.
Shea passed away in April 2013.