Robert Butler (November 17, 1927 - November 3, 2023), the revered director known for steering the debut episodes of iconic series like Batman, Star Trek, Hill Street Blues, and Moonlighting, passed away on November 3 in Los Angeles at the age of 95.
Butler also played a role in co-creating Remington Steele, featuring Pierce Brosnan, and directed its inaugural episode. His legacy extends to directing the premiere of Hogan’s Heroes in 1965, setting the stage and directing pivotal episodes for Glenn Gordon Caron’s Moonlighting, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Sisters, and The Division.
Known For
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes
(1969)
Director
Turbulence
(1997)
Director
Now You See Him, Now You Don't
(1972)
Director
Up the Creek
(1984)
Director
Mayday at 40,000 Feet
(1977)
Director
Hot Lead & Cold Feet
(1978)
Director
Full Filmography
Directing
No Right to Kill
(1956)
Assistant Director
Heart of Darkness
(1958)
Assistant Director
Star Trek: The Cage
(1965)
Director
Kilroy
(1965)
Director
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes
(1969)
Director
Guns in the Heather
(1969)
Director
The Barefoot Executive
(1971)
Director
Scandalous John
(1971)
Director
Death Takes a Holiday
(1971)
Director
Now You See Him, Now You Don't
(1972)
Director
The Blue Knight
(1973)
Director
The Ultimate Thrill
(1974)
Director
Black Bart
(1975)
Director
Strange New World
(1975)
Director
James Dean
(1976)
Director
Dark Victory
(1976)
Director
Mayday at 40,000 Feet
(1977)
Director
In the Glitter Palace
(1977)
Director
Hot Lead & Cold Feet
(1978)
Director
A Question of Guilt
(1978)
Director
Lacy and the Mississippi Queen
(1978)
Director
Night of the Juggler
(1980)
Director
Underground Aces
(1981)
Director
Up the Creek
(1984)
Director
Concrete Beat
(1984)
Director
Long Time Gone
(1986)
Director
Out of Time
(1988)
Director
White Mile
(1994)
Director
Turbulence
(1997)
Director
Production