He produced or directed over two dozen series. He was also a screenwriter.
Early life
Known as one of the most successful Television Producers of all time, Bill Asher has produced more than two dozen shows. He also directed several movies, including Fireball 500, How to Stuff a Wild Bikini and The Thin Man. He also founded his own company, Guitar Traditions, in Santa Monica, CA. He has also been involved in numerous charitable causes. Currently, he is working on an autobiography. He lives in Palm Springs, CA with his fourth wife, Meredith.
The son of film producer Ephraim M. Asher and actress Lillian Bonner, William Asher was born in Manhattan, New York on July 21, 1931. His father died when he was just 11, and his mother left him with the responsibility of raising their children during The Depression.
After the war, Asher returned to work at Universal studios, where he learned filmmaking through assistant editors and assistant cameramen. He was soon drawn to the television industry. During his time at Universal, he co-produced the low budget boxing drama Leather Gloves with actor Richard Quine. He also directed several episodes of Racket Squad. His Beach Party series starred Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. During the 1960s, he wrote a series of movies featuring scantily clad surfers. These movies became hits with teenagers.
Career
During his career, Bill Asher has made many impacts on the entertainment industry. He has built an empire that includes a variety of television shows, bars, and real estate venues. He has also worked on numerous early-stage organizations. His client list includes a variety of artists, including Jackson Browne and Val McCallum.
Bill Asher was born in Manhattan on August 11, 1930. His father was an associate producer at MGM Studios, and his mother was a clerical assistant. After his father died in 1937, the family moved back to New York.
Asher learned his craft working on soundstages and at Universal Studios. He worked as an assistant editor and a cameraman. He later directed films and short films. He also directed several series. He produced or co-directed more than two dozen series. His work was known to millions of television viewers worldwide.
Interests outside of music
During his long and illustrious career, Bill Asher has been in the entertainment business of all shapes and sizes. From televisions to music, there is no doubt that his empire is a well oiled machine. It’s also not uncommon for him to be in the company of the likes of Eminem, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga. Asher has also managed to strike gold on more than one occasion. His company, Playboy Entertainment Group, saw a spike in its stock price from $6 to $34 on the NYSE, which is quite a feat for a company that has been around since the early 80s.
Bill Asher was a youngster when he started, but he has certainly ridden the business wave of the past two decades. Aside from his stint with Playboy, Asher also founded the company that bears his name, Califa Entertainment. With a modest budget and a few lucky breaks, Asher put together an list of marquee events, from the aforementioned ACM award to the most exclusive events in the country.
Family
During the early days of television, Bill Asher was one of the most prolific producers and directors. He directed or produced over two dozen television series, including the popular “I Love Lucy” series.
During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps. After his military service, he continued to pursue his passion for filmmaking. He was married twice. He had two daughters.
He also had a son. He adopted his son from a previous marriage. He met actress Elizabeth Montgomery in the late 1950s. They married in 1963. She was pregnant and wanted to quit working. Asher convinced her to continue. The couple divorced in 1975.
Asher was active in many charitable causes. He also directed President Kennedy’s surprise birthday celebration. He also directed the Dinah Shore Show and the revamped Ray Bolger Show.Bill Asher He also produced the series Gidget.
Awards and honors
Throughout his career, Bill Asher has been recognized for his expertise in the law and technology industries. He has been named a Leading M&A Lawyer by The Legal 500 and listed in Chambers USA. His clients include big names in the music and entertainment industry, including Paul Simon, Jackson Browne and Val McCallum.
He has also been awarded the Hanley Investment Group’s Honor Man award. He is recognized for his leadership and exceptional performance. He is a member of the ICSC, an organization devoted to innovative commerce serving communities. He enjoys traveling, golfing and athletics. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Business.
He is a co-chair of Choate’s Life Sciences Group and a member of the Executive Committee. He is also co-chair of the Business & Technology Group. His legal background includes his position as a partner at Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault, a law firm in New England. His work with investors in New England for more than 35 years has included involvement in organizations such as Mass Ventures and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Index