Remembering Harvey Laidman: A Television Director’s Legacy
Harvey Laidman, a talented television director who made his mark on iconic shows like “The Waltons,” “Matlock,” and “7th Heaven,” passed away on January 3 in Simi Valley, California at the age of 82.
Laidman’s son, Dan Laidman, confirmed his father’s death to Hollywood Reporter, revealing that cancer was the cause of his passing.
With a career spanning several decades, Laidman directed episodes for a diverse range of shows such as “Hawaii Five-O,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Quantum Leap,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” and many more.
Laidman’s impressive resume includes directing 11 episodes of “The Waltons,” 10 episodes of “Scarecrow and Mrs. King,” 33 episodes of “Matlock,” and 16 episodes of “7th Heaven,” with his final credit in 2004.
Chester Spier, a set decorator on “Matlock,” paid tribute to Laidman on Facebook, praising his humor and creative eye that enhanced the look and feel of the series.
After graduating from the University of Southern California in 1964, Laidman began his career at KTTV before moving on to the DGA Producer Training program. He worked as an assistant director on films like “Airport” and “Red Sky at Morning” before transitioning to solo directing on “The Waltons.”
In 2011, Laidman started teaching directing at California State University, Northridge, leaving behind a lasting impact on aspiring filmmakers. He is survived by his son, wife, sister, and grandchildren.
