Russell Morash Dies: ‘This Old House’ Creator & Julia Child Producer Was 88

Russell Morash, who created long-running WGBH series This Old House and was a frequent Julia Child collaborator, has died.

Morash died June 20 at 88.

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Born on February 11, 1936, in Lexington, MA, he originally was hired as a camera operator at public broadcaster GBH in 1958 before becoming a producer and director.

In addition to creating This Old House, which began in 1979 on WGBH and has aired since on PBS and in syndication, he began working with Julia Child as director of The French Chef in 1963 and worked with the celebrity chef for more than 30 years.

In Max’s recent drama series Julia, he was played by Fran Kranz.

He also started gardening show The Victory Garden.

GBH called Morash a “trailblazer.”

“As we celebrate the life of Russ Morash, we reflect on the legacy he leaves at GBH, public media and beyond,” Susan Goldberg, president and CEO of GBH said. “His commitment to innovation and to the audience defines our work to this day.”

“Every one of us at NATAS is heartbroken to hear of Russ’ passing. A true icon in every meaning of the word, to whom we owe gratitude for not just the great programs he spearheaded but for the great genres of TV they piloted,” added Adam Sharp, President & CEO, The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

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