Los Angeles – DGA President Christopher Nolan made the following statement about the passing of veteran Associate Director and Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Chair, Tony DeSanti:
“The entire DGA community is deeply saddened by the passing of Tony DeSanti, a veteran Associate Director, Producer and the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Chair. Tony leaves a lasting impact on our Guild through his dedication and service to his fellow members for the past 20 years. His leadership was marked by boundless enthusiasm and an innate ability to engage his fellow members and crews—whether in the production truck or at the negotiating table.
“A DGA member since 1994, DeSanti was first elected to the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council in 2005. Tony served seven terms on the Council, ultimately being elected First Vice Chair in 2020 and Chair in 2024. As a vital member of three Network Negotiating Committees, he was an outspoken advocate for the rights and benefits of our members working in News, Sports, Operations, and non-dramatic entertainment.
Tony had a larger-than-life personality and a rare ability to bring people together with warmth and kindness. He had a gift for making everyone feel that they were in exactly the right place and that their contribution truly mattered. He brought out the best in everyone around him, fostering careers and lifelong connections through his genuine care for others. A unifying presence within the Guild, Tony also championed inclusivity by finding common ground across the membership.
We will miss Tony greatly. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his wife Dot, his three children and his many friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
DeSanti’s Career Biography:
DeSanti was an award-winning broadcast Associate Director, producer, and creative storyteller with over 35 years of experience crafting compelling content for some of television's most prestigious networks, including CBS Sports, CBS News, ABC News, ABC Operations, NBC Sports, and the Big Ten Network.
