Russell Morash, the influential television producer known as the “father of how-to television,” passed away on June 20 at the age of 88. Morash’s groundbreaking work included creating the beloved home improvement series “This Old House” and bringing culinary icon Julia Child to the small screen with “The French Chef.”
Morash’s career began as a camera operator at public broadcaster WGBH in Boston, where he quickly made a name for himself by producing innovative and educational programming. His most notable achievement, “This Old House,” revolutionized home renovation shows and set the standard for the genre. The show’s success was rooted in its approachable, hands-on format that empowered viewers to tackle their own home improvement projects.
In addition to “This Old House,” Morash produced “The French Chef,” which introduced American audiences to French cooking through the charismatic Julia Child. The show’s success helped to demystify gourmet cooking and made it accessible to home cooks across the nation.
Morash’s contributions to television extended beyond these two iconic shows. His work laid the foundation for the plethora of how-to and lifestyle programming that populates the airwaves today.
Russell Morash’s legacy is defined by his commitment to educating and inspiring viewers. He is survived by his wife, Marian Morash, and his influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt in homes and kitchens around the world.