Award-winning TV and film director Joseph Sargent dies

Joseph Sargent, a director with history on both TV and film, passed away on Monday.

It was revealed by the publicist Dick Guttman that Sargent died due to COPD, a type of lung disease, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He directed episodes of television shows, feature films, and award-winning television films. He was 89.

Sargent began his career as an actor before becoming a director, according to Variety. He first directed episodes of TV shows including Gunsmoke and Star Trek before directing the first episode of the show Kojak, for which he earned his first Emmy award.

THR also reported that Sargent’s directing credits for film included the original The Taking of Pelham One Two Three in 1974. He also directed Gregory Peck in the film MacArthur in 1977. He would win other Emmys for directing TV films including Love is Never Silent in 1985 and Caroline? in 1990.

Named Giusseppe Daneiele Sorgente, Variety also reported that Sargent studied acting after World War II. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Nelson Sargent, two daughters from a previous marriage, and two nieces.