Six TV legends will be inducted into the Television Academy’s 27th Hall of Fame. Viola Davis, Ryan Murphy, Conan O’Brien, Henry Winkler, Mike Post and the late Don Mischer will all be honored later this year.
The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held during the inaugural Televerse Festival on Aug. 16 at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles. The annual induction ceremony honors entertainers who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of television either over their entire career or through singular achievements. Since its inception in 1984, more than 150 people ranging from actors and costume designers to writers and animators have been bestowed this honor.
A coveted EGOT winner, Davis was the first Black actress to win the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Emmy for her role in “How to Get Away With Murder.” She was also named one of the most influential people in the world in 2017’s Time 100 list and was honored with the Public Counsel’s William O. Douglas Award in 2022 for her commitment to social justice causes. Earlier this year, Davis was also bestowed the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes.
Mischer was a producer and director of live television events, as well as the founder of Don Mischer Productions. Over the course of his career, he worked on everything from the Emmys and We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial to Super Bowl Halftime shows and the Winter Olympic Games. Mischer was honored with 15 Emmys, a record 10 Directors Guild of America Awards for Outstanding Directorial Achievement, two NAACP Image Awards, a Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting, Europe’s Gold Rose of Montreux and the 2012 Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television from the Producers Guild of America. Mischer died in April of 2025.
Known for his work on everything from “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” to “Pose,” Murphy has created some of the most iconic and critically acclaimed series on television. The prolific writer, director and producer has transformed the television landscape through his dedication to bringing the stories of marginalized characters to mainstream audiences. So far, Murphy has won six Emmys out of 38 nominations, a Tony and two Grammy awards.
Over the course of his career, O’Brien has spent 28 years as a late-night host, one of the longest tenures in late night history. The comedian, writer and producer has won five Emmy Awards, seven Writers Guild Awards, the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Television Host” and The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. O’Brien has also hosted two Emmy Awards ceremonies, the most recent Oscars and performed at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner for two presidents.
By many, Post is considered the most successful composer in television history. The musician, composer, arranger and producer has written music for over 7,200 hours of television, including beloved series such as “Law & Order,” “NYPD Blue,” “Magnum PI,” “Quantum Leap” and “News Radio,” just to name a few of his many credits. Post’s theme songs for “The Rockford Files,” “The Greatest American Hero,” “Hill Street Blues” and “L.A. Law” became chart-topping records while landing Post four of his five Grammy Awards.
Last but never least is “Happy Days” and “Barry” star Winkler. Throughout over 50 years of success in Hollywood, the Emmy-winning actor, producer, director and best-selling author has appeared in over 100 TV shows, including “American Horror Stories,” “Arrested Development” and “Parks and Recreation.” Winkler has also produced and directed numerous television series and specials, such as “MacGyver,” “Mr. Sunshine” and “All Kids Do It,” which won him a Daytime Emmy Award for Best Director. Over the course of his career, Winkler has won two Golden Globes, two Daytime Emmy Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award.
“These trailblazing performers, creators and producers have left an indelible mark on our industry. Their groundbreaking work has shaped and elevated the television landscape in profound ways,” Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, said in a Tuesday statement. “We are honored to welcome these legends into the Hall of Fame and to recognize their exceptional contributions to the evolution of television.”
“All six honorees have elevated the art of storytelling and have had an extraordinary influence on television culture and history,” Rick Rosen, chair of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, added. “Their transformative leadership and innovative work have made a lasting impact on the medium, and the Television Academy is proud to honor their legacy.”
This year, the Hall of Fame selection committee included chair WME co-founder and head of television Rick Rosen, president 20th Television Karey Burke, Emmy-winning producer Marcy Carsey, chairman of Universal Studio Group Pearlena Igbokwe, the former chairman and CEO for Warner Bros. as well as the former president of Fox Peter Roth and former CBS Entertainment chairperson and producer Nina Tassler.
