Stan Lathan (Finding Aid)

Stan Lathan

1945 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Spicy food

Favorite Time of Year: Spring

Favorite Vacation Spot: The Caribbean

Interview Length: 215 minutes

Interview Date(s): June 25, 2003, April 23, 2004

Interview Location(s): 6161 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif., 6161 Wilshire Blvd.,Los Angeles, Calif., 6161 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, Calif., 6100 Wilshire Blvd.,Los Angeles, Calif., 6100 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif.

Abstract

Producer/director Stan Lathan shares tales from his early hardscrabble life in Philadelphia's projects. The product of a single mother after his father abandoned the family when Lathan was just 3, he found he was able to entertain himself with stories and friends. Hollywood producer/director Stan Lathan regales with many tales of his childhood in the projects of Philadelphia. His most poignant memories are of the Philadelphia music scene, and his small part in the precursor group to the Delfonics as a high school boy. Lathan also details other aspects of his life from elementary school through high school. Longtime TV director and producer Stan Lathan details the earliest days of his television directing career. He shows the linear progress from working as a stage director to a chance opportunity to shoot a feature film. Lathan also details hos his experience at WGBH in Boston led to aplethora of future television directing assignments with such noteables as Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison. Noted television director and producer Stan Lathan discusses his move from life as a stage director to a television director on the new sitcom, 'Sanford and Son'. Famed television director/producer Stan Lathan details life behind the camera. He describes the various shows he directed such as 'Hill Street Blues', 'Def Comedy Jam','The Steve Harvey Show' and 'Sanford and Son', and some of the successes and challenges he had while working on the shows. Veteran television director and producer, Stan Lathan shares more than 25 photos drawn from his early career to the present. Noted producer of Def Comedy Jam, Stan Lathan describes his partnership with Def Jam founder Russell Simmons and the birth of their TV comedy juggernaut, 'Def Comedy Jam'. Lathan also details several other comedy projects of note, including his work on Richard Pryor's seminal performance, "Live at the Sunset Strip" and his feature film directorial debut "Amazing Grace" with Moms Mabley. Television director and producer Stan Lathan describes the impeteus behind the creation of the Def Poetry Slam. A successful venture between mogul Russell Simmons and Lathan resulted in a Tony winning stage play in 2004. Veteran producer/director Stan Lathan shares some final thoughts on his life and legacy. He wants to leave a legacy that is "just dedicated my work and my life...to not only make--a strong business and making money, but having done positive material for black people."

76 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)