Michael Stevens was born on November 21, 1966, and passed away on October 20, 2015 from complications during treatment for cancer at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Michael was an American producer, writer and director who has won multiple Emmy Awards.
Since 2002, he has been the writer and producer of the annual Kennedy Center Honours.
Michael productions of the TV special of the Honours event have secured the show an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special in five consecutive years – 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 – winning the award in the latter three years.
His other work includes writing and/or producing and/or directing many live events and TV productions including multiple productions of the annual Christmas in Washington TV special, several presentations of the AFI’s The American Film Institute Salutes… specials and HBO’s inaugural celebration in 2009 for President Barack Obama.
Michael was born into an entertainment industry family.
His paternal grandfather was film director George Stevens.
His father, George Stevens Jr. is a producer who created the American Film Institute.
Other family members include actors Alice Howell and Yvonne Howell and the theatre critic, Ashton Stevens.
Michael was educated at the Landon School in Washington, D.C. graduating in 1985 and subsequently at Duke University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Political Science in 1989.
Michael lives in Los Angeles with his producer wife Alexandra, known professionally as Ali Gifford.
Michael Stevens died at age 48 in October 2015.