TV Obits: Buckley, Tilley, Smith, Levin
A roundup of TV people from in front of the camera and behind the scenes who have passed away.
- William F. Buckley, Jr.: He was conservative commentator and host of the long-running political show Firing Line, which started on WOR-TV and then went to public television, lasting 33 years. He was also the editor of National Review, the author of several books, and even ran for mayor of New York City once. Buckley was found dead in his home in Stamford, CT. He was 82.
- Paul Tilley: He was a veteran advertising exec and creative director at DDB Chicago. He was responsible for many memorable advertising campaigns, including McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It,” and Dell’s “Dude, You’re Getting A Dell.” He was also in charge of campaigns for Anheuser-Busch, Johnson & Johnson, Midas, OfficeMax, Capital One, and LensCrafters. He died in an apparent suicide at age 40.
- Lionel Mark Smith: He was a actor who appeared in such shows as The Unit, Days of Our Lives, NYPD Blue, Seinfeld, L.A. Law, Benson, Remington Steele, Night Court, Lou Grant, Hill Street Blues, and St. Elsewhere. He was also in several movies, including State and Main, Magnolia, The Spanish Prisoner, Edmond, and Spartan. He died of cancer in Inglewood, CA at age 62.
- Steve Levin: He was Vice President of SI TV’s advertising sales department, and before that was Executive Vice President at Telemundo. He also worked at WNJU and KVEA. He died of cancer at age 59.