Don Mischer, Breakthrough Prize Ceremony Producer and Preeminent Live TV Director, Passes Away at 85

Everybody at the Breakthrough Prize Foundation was devastated to learn of the passing of our friend and partner of over a decade, Don Mischer, the legendary founder and director of Don Mischer Productions.

Since the founding of the Breakthrough Prize in 2013, Don has helped to produce every one of its annual award ceremonies. His work on the Prize, as on so many Oscars, Emmys, Super Bowl Halftime Shows and other major live events, always demonstrated production values of the highest level. The creativity, commitment and professionalism that he and his team brought to the show have been essential to the success of the Prize and its mission to shine a spotlight on great scientists and communicate their ideas to the public.

After a career spanning more than six decades, Don’s final show was the 2025 Breakthrough Prize ceremony on Saturday, April 5, at Barker Hanger. His eleventh ceremony was perhaps his finest yet, with a seamless blend of science and storytelling, music and film, pathos and humor. He will be deeply missed, and we send heartfelt condolences to his wife Suzan, his family and friends, and everybody at Don Mischer Productions.