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Stan Lathan Biography

Birth Name:Stan Lathan

Birth Place:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Profession Director, Producer, Writer

Fast Facts

  • The pilot of his comedy series "The Soul Man" earned him a nomination for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series at the 2013 Image Awards
  • Started his career working for Boston public television, co-creating and directing an early urban-themed news magazine called "Say Brother․"
  • Quote: "There's a lot of great music out there, but nowadays the TV industry measure audiences and demographics down to a science․ It's hard to put something on TV that's judged only for its aesthetic effect․"
  • Moved to New York to direct and produce documentaries for Black Journal, and made approximately a dozen documentaries over a course of 2 years
  • His love of music, performance and dance paid off when he started directing the variety show "Soul!" which showcased African American music, dance and literature
  • Was one of the first directors of "Sesame Street," the first commercial television show that used curriculum and educational goals to shape its content
  • Worked with Russell Simmons on a number of productions, beginning with "Def Comedy Jam," a series that launched the careers of such stars as Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey and Mike Epps

Awards

  • 1984Blue Ribbon Award-Drama: winner
  • 1984CINE Golden Eagle-Documentary: winner
  • 1985CINE Golden Eagle-Drama: winner
  • 1993CableACE-Stand-Up Comedy Special or Series: nominated
  • 1994CableACE-Stand-Up Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1995CableACE-Stand-Up Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2005Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special: nominated
  • 2013Image Award-Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2014Image Award-Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2015Image Award-Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2016Image Award-Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2018DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports - Specials: nominated
  • 2018Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded): winner
  • 2018Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special: nominated
  • 2020DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports - Specials: nominated
  • 2020PGA Award-Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment & Talk Television: nominated
  • 2020Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded): winner
  • 2020Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special: winner
  • 2022DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports - Specials: nominated
  • 2022Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special: nominated
  • 2022Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded): nominated
  • 2024DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports - Specials: nominated
  • 2024PGA Award-Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment, Variety, Sketch, Standup & Talk Television: nominated
  • 2024Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded): nominated
  • 2024Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special: nominated