‘Matlock’ director Harvey Laidman dies at 82

Harvey Laidman, known for his directorial talent in Matlock, has passed away at the age of 82.

His son, Dan Laidman, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that his father breathed his last on January 3 in a hospice in Simi Valley, California, after battling cancer.

Laidman’s illustrious career spanned over thirty years, during which he helmed episodes of shows such as The Waltons and Magnum P.I.

His prolific directing contributions were to the series 7th Heaven, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, and the aforementioned Matlock and The Waltons.

Laidman’s directing career began in 1975 when he showed his expertise in the first episode of The Waltons. He directed 11 episodes of the series and contributed to 33 episodes of Matlock.

The veteran television director additionally helmed instalments of Airwolf, Eight is Enough, Falcon Crest, Family, Hawaii Five-O, JAG, Knight Rider, Knots Landing, Lou Grant, Tales of the Gold Monkey, The Dukes of Hazzard, The Incredible Hulk, The Fitzpatricks, Quantum Leap and more.

In his later years, Laidman combined his love for teaching and film by teaching directing at California State University, Northridge, from 2011 to 2023.

According to Deadline, a service is scheduled at Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills on Sunday, January 12, at 11:00 a.m.