Visual History with Bethany Rooney

Fascinated by the art of storytelling from a young age through her exposure to theater, books, and classic Hollywood films, Bethany Rooney began her career in entertainment in high school, working at her local cable TV station part-time. She continued her hands on training while earning her master's degree in TV/Film Production at Bowling Green State University, as well as working at a local PBS station. She began to explore all fields of television production when she landed her first Hollywood job as a producer/secretary on The White Shadow. There, under the mentorship of Bruce Paltrow, she pursued and was eventually given the opportunity to direct her first episode on St. Elsewhere in 1985.

In addition to St. Elsewhere, Rooney has directed more than 250 episodes of prime time broadcast network episodes, including The Wonder Years, Dream On, Melrose Place, Picket Fences, Beverly Hills, 90210, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Ally McBeal, Dawson's Creek, Boston Public, One Tree Hill, Crossing Jordan, Gilmore Girls, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Private Practice, Criminal Minds Evolution, Tracker, The Rookie, Chicago PD, Law & Order, Law & Order SVU, and Chicago Med. She has also helmed movies for television, including The Other Mother: A Moment of True Movie (1995), She Cried No (1996) and When Innocence Is Lost (1997). She has also been a producer for St. Elsewhere, The Originals, and Bull.

Rooney has served six terms on the Western Director's Council, as well as five terms on the National Board, and three terms as a member of the BA/FLTTA Negotiating Committee. She has also served three terms as the chairperson of the Diversity Task Force, as well as two terms as co-chair of the Women's Steering Committee.

She has been a member of the Guild since 1985.