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{{short description|American film director}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}

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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Stan Lathan
| name = Stan Lathan
| image =
| image = Stan Lathan.jpg
| caption = Lathan in 2016
| birth_name = Stanley Lathan
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1945|7|8}}
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1945|7|8}}
| birth_place = [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| education = Pennsylvania State University (1967)
| education = Pennsylvania State University (1967)
| occupation = Director, producer
| occupation = Director, producer
| spouse = {{married|Marguerite|1982}}
| spouse = {{married|Marguerite Lathan|1982}}
| children = [[Sanaa Lathan]], Tendaji Lathan, Liliane Lathan, Arielle Lathan, Colette Lathan
| children = 5, including [[Sanaa Lathan]]
| awards = 2019 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album<br>2018 Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special for Dave Chappelle: Equanimity <br>2018 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album<br>2003 Tony Award for Def Poetry on Broadway<br>2003 Peabody Award for ''Def Poetry'' on HBO<br>Six NAACP Image Awards<br>2013 Lifetime Achievement Award
| awards = Two [[Grammy Award]]s<br />Three [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s<br />[[Tony Award]]<br />[[Peabody Award]]<br />Six [[NAACP Image Award]]s
| yearsactive = 1969–present
| yearsactive = 1969–present
| domesticpartner = Eleanor McCoy (1970–1977)
| domesticpartner = Eleanor McCoy (1970–1977)
}}
}}
'''Stan Lathan''' (born July 8, 1945) is an American television and film director and television producer.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://nyti.ms/1yAS8Yp|title = Movies & TV - Stan Lathan|date = 2015|accessdate = 18 January 2015|website = New York Times}}</ref> He is executive producer and director of [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]]'s ''[[Real Husbands of Hollywood]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bet-networks-award-winning-comedy-real-husbands-of-hollywood-returns-for-a-third-season-this-fall-2014-08-20|title= BET Networks’ Award-Winning Comedy "Real Husbands of Hollywood" Returns for a Third Season This Fall|date = 2014|accessdate = 12 February 2015|website = MarketWatch.com}}</ref> He has produced and directed numerous stand-up comedy specials starring comedian [[Dave Chappelle]], including ''[[Killin' Them Softly]]'', ''Equanimity'', ''The Bird Revelation'', and ''[[Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones|Sticks & Stones]]''.
'''Stan Lathan''' (born July 8, 1945) is an American television and film director and television producer.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://nyti.ms/1yAS8Yp|title = Movies & TV - Stan Lathan|date = 2015|access-date = January 18, 2015|website = The New York Times}}</ref> He is executive producer and director of [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]]'s ''[[Real Husbands of Hollywood]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bet-networks-award-winning-comedy-real-husbands-of-hollywood-returns-for-a-third-season-this-fall-2014-08-20|title= BET Networks' Award-Winning Comedy "Real Husbands of Hollywood" Returns for a Third Season This Fall|date = 2014|access-date = February 12, 2015|website = MarketWatch.com}}</ref> He has produced and directed numerous stand-up comedy specials starring comedian [[Dave Chappelle]], including ''[[Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly|Killin' Them Softly]]'', ''Equanimity'', ''The Bird Revelation'', ''[[Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones|Sticks & Stones]]'', and ''The Closer''.


==Early life==
==Early life==
The youngest of three boys, Lathan was born and raised in [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]. He is the son of Julia Elizabeth (Dunston) and Stanley Edward Lathan.<ref>http://www.idvl.org/thehistorymakers/iCoreClient.html#/&s=1&args=N1%3BP-1%3Bids%5BStan%20Lathan,%20Story%2045:9906%5D</ref><ref>http://www.encyclopedia.com/article-1G2-2509910860/lathan-dr-william-edward.html</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/stan-lathan-39/|title=The HistoryMakers: Stan Lathan|publisher=The HistoryMakers|accessdate = 18 January 2015|date = 2015}}</ref> His mother was a clerical employee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.archives.com/1940-census/julia-lathan-pa-76649245|title=Julia Lathan in the 1940 Census|date = 2015|accessdate = 12 February 2015|website = Archives.com/}}</ref> His brothers are William Lathan of New York, a medical doctor,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/18/nyregion/pursuing-a-boxing-passion-but-as-a-judge.html|title=Pursuing a Boxing Passion, but as a Judge|date = 18 May 1997|accessdate = 12 February 2015|website = NYTimes.com/}}</ref> and Charles Lewis, a musician living in Phoenix, Arizona.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://downtowndevil.com/2014/09/24/61071/jazz-pianist-charles-lewis-celebrates-birthday/|title=State jazz figure Charles Lewis celebrates 81st birthday with party, intimate concert|date = 24 September 2014|accessdate = 12 February 2015|website = DowntownDevil.com/}}</ref>
The youngest of three boys, Lathan was born and raised in [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]. He is the son of Julia Elizabeth (Dunston) and Stanley Edward Lathan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idvl.org/thehistorymakers/iCoreClient.html#/&s=1&args=N1%3BP-1%3Bids%5BStan%20Lathan,%20Story%2045:9906%5D|title=The HistoryMakers Video Archive interview collection presented with Carnegie Mellon Informedia technology}}</ref><ref>http://www.encyclopedia.com/article-1G2-2509910860/lathan-dr-william-edward.html {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref><ref name="thehistorymakers">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/stan-lathan-39/|title=The HistoryMakers: Stan Lathan|publisher=The HistoryMakers|access-date = January 18, 2015|date = 2015}}</ref> His mother was a clerical employee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.archives.com/1940-census/julia-lathan-pa-76649245|title=Julia Lathan in the 1940 Census|date = 2015|access-date = February 12, 2015|website = Archives.com/}}</ref> His brothers are William Lathan of New York, a medical doctor,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/18/nyregion/pursuing-a-boxing-passion-but-as-a-judge.html|title=Pursuing a Boxing Passion, but as a Judge|date = May 18, 1997|access-date = February 12, 2015|website = NYTimes.com/}}</ref> and Charles Lewis, a musician living in Phoenix, Arizona.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://downtowndevil.com/2014/09/24/61071/jazz-pianist-charles-lewis-celebrates-birthday/|title=State jazz figure Charles Lewis celebrates 81st birthday with party, intimate concert|date = September 24, 2014|access-date = February 12, 2015|website = DowntownDevil.com/}}</ref>


Lathan graduated from [[Overbrook High School (Philadelphia)|Overbrook High School]] in 1963. He earned his bachelor of arts in theater at [[Pennsylvania State University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackhistory.psu.edu/timeline/stan_lathan_wins_naacp_image_award_for_the_steve_harvey_show|title=African American Chronicles: Black History at Penn State|date = 2015|accessdate = 12 February 2015|website = BlackHistory.PSU.EDU/}}</ref> in 1967 and moved to Boston to pursue a [[master's degree]] from [[Boston University]]. In response to the heightened tension surrounding the civil rights movement at that time, he was recruited by television station [[WGBH-TV]] in 1968 to help create and direct the country's first magazine show entirely produced by, for, and about African Americans-- ''[[Basic Black|Say Brother]]''.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thirteen.org/soul/interview-soul-director-stan-lathan/|title=SOUL! Interview: Director Stan Lathan|publisher=WNET New York|date = January 2009|accessdate = 18 January 2015|website = Thirteen - WNET - New York Public Media}}</ref>
Lathan graduated from [[Overbrook High School (Philadelphia)|Overbrook High School]] in 1963. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in theater at [[Pennsylvania State University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blackhistory.psu.edu/timeline/stan_lathan_wins_naacp_image_award_for_the_steve_harvey_show|title=African American Chronicles: Black History at Penn State|date = 2015|access-date = February 12, 2015|website = BlackHistory.PSU.EDU/}}</ref> in 1967 and moved to Boston to pursue a master's degree from [[Boston University]]. In response to the heightened tension surrounding the civil rights movement at that time, he was recruited by television station [[WGBH-TV]] in 1968 to help create and direct the country's first magazine show entirely produced by, for, and about African Americans-- ''[[Basic Black (TV series)|Say Brother]]''.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thirteen.org/soul/interview-soul-director-stan-lathan/|title=SOUL! Interview: Director Stan Lathan|publisher=WNET New York|date = January 2009|access-date = January 18, 2015|website = Thirteen - WNET - New York Public Media}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
{{Organize section|date=September 2019}}
{{Organize section|date=September 2019}}
Lathan has directed the pilots for many sitcoms, including ''[[Martin (TV series)|Martin]]'', ''[[Moesha]]'', ''[[The Parkers]]'', ''[[The Steve Harvey Show]]'', ''[[Amen (TV series)|Amen]]'', ''[[South Central (TV series)|South Central]]'', ''[[Cedric the Entertainer Presents]]'', ''[[All of Us]]'', ''[[Eve (U.S. TV series)|Eve!]]'', ''[[The Soul Man]]'' and ''[[Real Husbands of Hollywood]]''.<ref name=":0" />
Lathan has directed the pilots for many sitcoms, including ''[[Martin (TV series)|Martin]]'', ''[[Moesha]]'', ''[[The Parkers]]'', ''[[The Steve Harvey Show]]'', ''[[Amen (TV series)|Amen]]'', ''[[South Central (TV series)|South Central]]'', ''[[Cedric the Entertainer Presents]]'', ''[[All of Us]]'', ''[[Eve (U.S. TV series)|Eve]]'', ''[[The Soul Man]]'' and ''[[Real Husbands of Hollywood]]''.<ref name="thehistorymakers" />


Lathan was the executive producer and director of the stand-up comedy special ''[[Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly]]'', written by and starring comedian [[Dave Chappelle]]. It was Chappelle's first hour-long [[HBO]] special, and premiered in 2000. Lathan would go on to produce and direct several more of Chappelle's specials, including ''For What It's Worth'', which was produced in 2004 for [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]. In 2017, Lathan produced and directed four Chappelle specials for [[Netflix]]: ''The Bird Revelation'', ''Equanimity'', ''The Age of Spin'',<ref name="The Hollywood Reporter">{{Cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/dave-chappelle-netflix-trailer-985998|title=Dave Chappelle Netflix Specials Get Trailer, Release Date|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2017-04-19|language=en}}</ref> and ''Deep in the Heart of Texas''.<ref name="The Hollywood Reporter" /> He also produced and directed Chappelle's fifth Netflix special, ''[[Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones|Sticks & Stones]]'', which was released in 2019.
Lathan was the executive producer and director of the stand-up comedy special ''[[Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly]]'' written by and starring comedian [[Dave Chappelle]]. It was Chappelle's first hour-long [[HBO]] special, and premiered in 2000. Lathan would go on to produce and direct several more of Chappelle's specials, including ''For What It's Worth'', which was produced in 2004 for [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]. In 2017, Lathan produced and directed four Chappelle specials for [[Netflix]]: ''The Bird Revelation'', ''Equanimity'', ''The Age of Spin'',<ref name="Stanhope">{{Cite news |date=March 14, 2017 |first=Kate |last=Stanhope |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/dave-chappelle-netflix-trailer-985998/ |title=Dave Chappelle Netflix Specials Get Trailer, Release Date |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=2021-04-01 }}</ref> and ''Deep in the Heart of Texas''.<ref name="Stanhope" /> He also produced and directed Chappelle's fifth Netflix special, ''[[Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones|Sticks & Stones]]'', which was released in 2019.


He executive produced and directed ''Cedric The Entertainer: Taking You Higher,'' a one-hour comedy special for HBO, and ''It's Black Entertainment'', a two-hour musical documentary for Showtime.
He executive produced and directed ''Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Higher'', a one-hour comedy special for HBO, and ''It's Black Entertainment'', a two-hour musical documentary for Showtime.


Lathan began directing network television in 1973, when he was brought to Los Angeles to direct multiple episodes of ''[[Sanford & Son]]''. He went on to direct ''[[Hill Street Blues]]'', ''[[Miami Vice]]'', ''[[Cagney & Lacey]]'', ''[[Frank's Place]]'', ''[[Roc (TV series)|Roc]]'' and others. He also directed the 1984 feature film ''[[Beat Street]]'' for [[Orion Pictures]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9F02E1DA123BF93BA35755C0A962948260|title=MOVIE REVIEW Beat Street (1984) MOVIE: 'BEAT STREET'|date = 8 June 1984|accessdate = 12 February 2015|website = NYTimes.com/}}</ref>
Lathan began directing network television in 1973, when he was brought to Los Angeles to direct multiple episodes of ''[[Sanford & Son]]''. He went on to direct ''[[Hill Street Blues]]'', ''[[Miami Vice]]'', ''[[Remington Steele]]'', ''[[Cagney & Lacey]]'', ''[[Frank's Place]]'', ''[[Roc (TV series)|Roc]]'' and others. He also directed the 1984 feature film ''[[Beat Street]]'' for [[Orion Pictures]].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9F02E1DA123BF93BA35755C0A962948260|title = MOVIE REVIEW Beat Street (1984) MOVIE: 'BEAT STREET'|date = June 8, 1984|access-date = February 12, 2015|website = NYTimes.com/|archive-date = February 12, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150212224924/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9F02E1DA123BF93BA35755C0A962948260|url-status = dead}}</ref>


Lathan directed dramas for public television's ''[[Great Performances]]'', ''[[American Playhouse]]'' and ''The American Short Story''. For [[Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)|PBS]], he directed ''Alvin Ailey: Memories & Visions'' and other dance specials featuring the [[Martha Graham]] Company, [[Mikhail Baryshnikov]] and [[Agnes de Mille]].<ref name=":0" /> He directed three seasons of the popular PBS music series, ''[[SOUL!]]'', and he was one of the first directors of ''[[Sesame Street]]''.<ref name=":1" />
Lathan directed dramas for public television's ''[[Great Performances]]'', ''[[American Playhouse]]'' and ''The American Short Story''. For [[Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)|PBS]], he directed ''Alvin Ailey: Memories & Visions'' and other dance specials featuring the [[Martha Graham]] Company, [[Mikhail Baryshnikov]] and [[Agnes de Mille]].<ref name="thehistorymakers" /> He directed three seasons of the popular PBS music series, ''[[SOUL!]]'', and he was one of the first directors of ''[[Sesame Street]]''.<ref name=":1" />


In 1989, Lathan partnered with [[Russell Simmons]] to create the stand-up comedy franchise ''[[Def Comedy Jam]]'' on HBO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/simmons-lathan-media-group-announces-corporate-launch-entertainment-trailblazers-russell-simmons-and-stan-lathan-introduce-new-production-acquisition-and-distribution-model-71356437.html/|title=Simmons Lathan Media Group Announces Corporate Launch: Entertainment Trailblazers Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan Introduce New Production, Acquisition and Distribution Model|accessdate = 18 January 2015|date = 19 June 1989|website = PR Newswire}}</ref> This series ran for 8 seasons and showcased many of today's popular television & movie stars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paleycenter.org/the-arrival-of-def-comedy-jam/|title= The Def Jam Generation: The Arrival of Def Comedy Jam|date = 2009|accessdate = 20 January 2015|website = The Paley Center for Media}}</ref>
In 1989, Lathan partnered with [[Russell Simmons]] to create the stand-up comedy franchise ''[[Def Comedy Jam]]'' on HBO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/simmons-lathan-media-group-announces-corporate-launch-entertainment-trailblazers-russell-simmons-and-stan-lathan-introduce-new-production-acquisition-and-distribution-model-71356437.html/|title=Simmons Lathan Media Group Announces Corporate Launch: Entertainment Trailblazers Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan Introduce New Production, Acquisition and Distribution Model|access-date = January 18, 2015|date = June 19, 1989|agency = PR Newswire}}</ref> This series ran for 8 seasons and showcased many of today's popular television & movie stars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paleycenter.org/the-arrival-of-def-comedy-jam/|title= The Def Jam Generation: The Arrival of Def Comedy Jam|date = 2009|access-date = January 20, 2015|website = The Paley Center for Media}}</ref>


Lathan also received a [[Peabody Award]] for the series ''Def Poetry'' on HBO. That same year, Lathan co-produced ''Def Poetry Jam on Broadway,'' which won a [[Tony Award]] for best special theatrical event and has toured both domestically and internationally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/spread-the-word-tony-award-winning-def-poetry-jam-launches-tour-in-philadel-115623|title= Spread the Word: Tony Award-Winning Def Poetry Jam Launches Tour in Philadelphia, Oct. 16|date = 2003|accessdate = 20 January 2015|website = Playbill.com}}</ref>
Lathan also received a [[Peabody Award]] for the series ''Def Poetry'' on HBO. That same year, Lathan co-produced ''Def Poetry Jam on Broadway,'' which won a [[Tony Award]] for best special theatrical event and has toured both domestically and internationally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/spread-the-word-tony-award-winning-def-poetry-jam-launches-tour-in-philadel-115623|title= Spread the Word: Tony Award-Winning Def Poetry Jam Launches Tour in Philadelphia, Oct. 16|date = 2003|access-date = January 20, 2015|website = Playbill.com}}</ref>


In 2006, Lathan co-created ''[[Run's House]]'', a five-season reality series for [[MTV]] that spawned a spinoff series, ''[[Daddy's Girls (2009 TV series)|Daddy's Girls]]''. He also co-executive produced ''[[Running Russell Simmons]]'', an eight-part series for [[Oxygen (TV channel)|Oxygen]]. In 2012, he executive produced and directed ''The Ruckus,'' a stand-up series for [[Comedy Central]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rushcommunications.com/entertainment/simmons-lathan-group/|title = Simmons Lathan Media Group|date = 2009|accessdate = 18 January 2015|website = Rush Communications|deadurl = yes|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20150119060755/http://www.rushcommunications.com/entertainment/simmons-lathan-group/|archivedate = January 19, 2015|df = mdy-all}}</ref>
In 2006, Lathan co-created ''[[Run's House]]'', a five-season reality series for [[MTV]] that spawned a spinoff series, ''[[Daddy's Girls (2009 TV series)|Daddy's Girls]]''. He also co-executive produced ''[[Running Russell Simmons]]'', an eight-part series for [[Oxygen (TV channel)|Oxygen]]. In 2012, he executive produced and directed ''The Ruckus,'' a stand-up series for [[Comedy Central]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rushcommunications.com/entertainment/simmons-lathan-group/|title = Simmons Lathan Media Group|date = 2009|access-date = January 18, 2015|website = Rush Communications|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150119060755/http://www.rushcommunications.com/entertainment/simmons-lathan-group/|archive-date = January 19, 2015|df = mdy-all}}</ref>


In 2008, Lathan was the creator and executive producer of ''[[Brave New Voices]]'', a seven-part docu-reality series for HBO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/premiere-screening-of-brave-new-voices-a-new-hbo-series-about-youth-speaks-poets-draws-stars-robert-redford-stan-lathan-benjamin-bratt-peter-bratt-and-dave-eggers-61734762.html|title=Premiere Screening of Brave New Voices, a New HBO Series About Youth Speaks Poets, Draws Stars Robert Redford, Stan Lathan, Benjamin Bratt, Peter Bratt and Dave Eggers|date = 24 March 2009|accessdate = 20 January 2015|website = PRNewswire.com}}</ref> As a follow up in 2009, Lathan staged and directed ''An Evening of Poetry, Music and Spoken Word,'' hosted by President [[Barack Obama]] and [[Michelle Obama]] in the White House.
In 2008, Lathan was the creator and executive producer of ''[[Brave New Voices]]'', a seven-part docu-reality series for HBO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/premiere-screening-of-brave-new-voices-a-new-hbo-series-about-youth-speaks-poets-draws-stars-robert-redford-stan-lathan-benjamin-bratt-peter-bratt-and-dave-eggers-61734762.html|title=Premiere Screening of Brave New Voices, a New HBO Series About Youth Speaks Poets, Draws Stars Robert Redford, Stan Lathan, Benjamin Bratt, Peter Bratt and Dave Eggers|date = March 24, 2009|access-date = January 20, 2015|agency = PR Newswire}}</ref> As a follow-up in 2009, Lathan staged and directed ''An Evening of Poetry, Music and Spoken Word,'' hosted by President [[Barack Obama]] and [[Michelle Obama]] in the White House.


Lathan received both the 2003 Diversity Award and the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the [[Caucus for Producers, Writers and Directors]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caucus.org/events/diversityaward.html|title=Diversity Award|date = 2012|accessdate = 13 June 2016|website = Caucus.org}}</ref> He has received six [[NAACP Image Awards]] for his achievements in film and television. He was honored in 2014 by the [[Directors Guild of America]] for his directing career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dga.org/Events/2014/July2014/AASC_3TVDIRs2014.aspx|title=A Celebration of African American TV Directors|date = 15 May 2014|accessdate = 18 January 2015|website = Directors Guild of America}}</ref> In 2017, he received the Trailblazer Award from the Apollo Theater in Harlem.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/2017-apollo-spring-gala-cedric-the-entertainer_us_593af4a4e4b0b13f2c6a429a|title=Cedric The Entertainer Returns To The Apollo Theater To Honor His Hollywood Mentor|last=Williams|first=Brennan|date=2017-06-09|work=Huffington Post|access-date=2018-02-20|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2018, he was nominated for a DGA Award for his direction of the comedy special [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6648926/fullcredits Dave Chappelle: ''The Age of Spin'']''.''<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://deadline.com/2018/01/dga-awards-tv-nominations-commercials-documentaries-1202240071/|title=DGA Awards: Curtain Raised On TV & Documentary Nominations|last=Pedersen|first=Erik|date=2018-01-10|work=Deadline|access-date=2018-02-20|language=en-US}}</ref> and received a 2018 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the same special and [https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/winners-nominees/226 Dave Chappelle: ''Deep In The Heart Of Texas.'']<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/winners-nominees/226|title=Winners|website=GRAMMY.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-11}}</ref>
Lathan received both the 2003 Diversity Award and the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the [[Caucus for Producers, Writers and Directors]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caucus.org/events/diversityaward.html|title=Diversity Award|date = 2012|access-date = June 13, 2016|website = Caucus.org}}</ref> He has received six [[NAACP Image Awards]] for his achievements in film and television. He was honored in 2014 by the [[Directors Guild of America]] for his directing career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dga.org/Events/2014/July2014/AASC_3TVDIRs2014.aspx|title=A Celebration of African American TV Directors|date = May 15, 2014|access-date = January 18, 2015|website = Directors Guild of America}}</ref> In 2017, he received the Trailblazer Award from the Apollo Theater in Harlem.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/2017-apollo-spring-gala-cedric-the-entertainer_us_593af4a4e4b0b13f2c6a429a|title=Cedric The Entertainer Returns to the Apollo Theater To Honor His Hollywood Mentor|last=Williams|first=Brennan|date=June 9, 2017|work=Huffington Post|access-date=2018-02-20|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2018, he was nominated for a DGA Award for his direction of the comedy special [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6648926/fullcredits Dave Chappelle: ''The Age of Spin'']<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/dga-awards-tv-nominations-commercials-documentaries-1202240071/|title=DGA Awards: Curtain Raised on TV & Documentary Nominations|last=Pedersen|first=Erik|date=January 10, 2018|work=Deadline|access-date=2018-02-20|language=en-US}}</ref> and received a 2018 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the same special and [https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/winners-nominees/226 Dave Chappelle: ''Deep in the Heart of Texas''].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/winners-nominees/226|title=Winners|website=GRAMMY.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-11}}</ref>


In 2018, Lathan directed a Netflix stand up comedy special<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/mo-amer-vagabond-netflix-review/|title=Mo Amer is ready for the bright lights in Netflix special, 'The Vagabond'|date=2018-10-10|website=The Daily Dot|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25}}</ref> ''[https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/mo-amer-vagabond-netflix-review/ Mo Amer: The Vagabond]'' and an HBO stand up comedy special ''[https://medium.com/hbo-cinemax-pr/amanda-seales-i-be-knowin-debuts-saturday-jan-26-on-hbo-671f204b3de5 Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin]'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/hbo-cinemax-pr/amanda-seales-i-be-knowin-debuts-saturday-jan-26-on-hbo-671f204b3de5|title=AMANDA SEALES: I BE KNOWIN’ Debuts Saturday, Jan. 26 on HBO|last=PR|first=HBO|date=2018-12-03|website=Medium|access-date=2019-01-25}}</ref>.
In 2018, Lathan directed a Netflix stand-up comedy special<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/mo-amer-vagabond-netflix-review/|title=Mo Amer is ready for the bright lights in Netflix special, 'The Vagabond'|date=October 10, 2018|website=The Daily Dot|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25}}</ref> ''[https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/mo-amer-vagabond-netflix-review/ Mo Amer: The Vagabond]'' and an HBO stand-up comedy special ''[https://medium.com/hbo-cinemax-pr/amanda-seales-i-be-knowin-debuts-saturday-jan-26-on-hbo-671f204b3de5 Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin]'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/hbo-cinemax-pr/amanda-seales-i-be-knowin-debuts-saturday-jan-26-on-hbo-671f204b3de5|title=AMANDA SEALES: I BE KNOWIN' Debuts Saturday, Jan. 26 on HBO|last=PR|first=HBO|date=December 3, 2018|website=Medium|access-date=2019-01-25}}</ref>


Lathan executive produced and directed [[imdbtitle:7806998|''Dave Chappelle: Equanimity'']]<ref>{{Citation|title=Dave Chappelle: Equanimity|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7806998/|access-date=2019-01-25}}</ref>(2017) which received a [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/creative-arts-emmys-2018-winners-list-1138674 Primetime Emmy] <ref>{{Citation|title=Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)|date=2019-01-05|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Primetime_Emmy_Award_for_Outstanding_Variety_Special_(Pre-Recorded)&oldid=876898061|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25}}</ref> for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded).
Lathan executive produced and directed ''Dave Chappelle: Equanimity''<ref>{{Citation|title=Dave Chappelle: Equanimity|date=December 31, 2017|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7806998/|access-date=2019-01-25}}</ref> (2017) which received a [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/creative-arts-emmys-2018-winners-list-1138674 Primetime Emmy] for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded).


Recently, Lathan has won another Grammy Award for the 2019 Best Comedy Album for [https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/dave-chappelle-wins-best-comedy-album-equanimity-bird-revelation-2019-grammys Dave Chappelle: ''Equanimity'' and Dave Chappelle:''The Bird Revelation''].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/dave-chappelle-wins-best-comedy-album-equanimity-bird-revelation-2019-grammys|title=Dave Chappelle Wins Best Comedy Album|date=2019-02-03|website=GRAMMY.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-11}}</ref>
Lathan won another Grammy Award for the 2019 Best Comedy Album for [https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/dave-chappelle-wins-best-comedy-album-equanimity-bird-revelation-2019-grammys Dave Chappelle: ''Equanimity'' and Dave Chappelle: ''The Bird Revelation''].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/dave-chappelle-wins-best-comedy-album-equanimity-bird-revelation-2019-grammys|title=Dave Chappelle Wins Best Comedy Album|date=February 3, 2019|website=GRAMMY.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-11}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{IMDb name|490133}}
* {{IMDb name|490133}}
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* {{IBDB name}}

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{{TonyAward TheatricalEvent}}


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Latest revision as of 19:22, 3 May 2024

Stan Lathan
Lathan in 2016
Born (1945-07-08) July 8, 1945 (age 78)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
EducationPennsylvania State University (1967)
Occupation(s)Director, producer
Years active1969–present
Spouse
Marguerite Lathan
​
(m. 1982)​
PartnerEleanor McCoy (1970–1977)
Children5, including Sanaa Lathan
AwardsTwo Grammy Awards
Three Primetime Emmy Awards
Tony Award
Peabody Award
Six NAACP Image Awards

Stan Lathan (born July 8, 1945) is an American television and film director and television producer.[1] He is executive producer and director of BET's Real Husbands of Hollywood.[2] He has produced and directed numerous stand-up comedy specials starring comedian Dave Chappelle, including Killin' Them Softly, Equanimity, The Bird Revelation, Sticks & Stones, and The Closer.

Early life[edit]

The youngest of three boys, Lathan was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Julia Elizabeth (Dunston) and Stanley Edward Lathan.[3][4][5] His mother was a clerical employee.[6] His brothers are William Lathan of New York, a medical doctor,[7] and Charles Lewis, a musician living in Phoenix, Arizona.[8]

Lathan graduated from Overbrook High School in 1963. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in theater at Pennsylvania State University[9] in 1967 and moved to Boston to pursue a master's degree from Boston University. In response to the heightened tension surrounding the civil rights movement at that time, he was recruited by television station WGBH-TV in 1968 to help create and direct the country's first magazine show entirely produced by, for, and about African Americans-- Say Brother.[10]

Career[edit]

Lathan has directed the pilots for many sitcoms, including Martin, Moesha, The Parkers, The Steve Harvey Show, Amen, South Central, Cedric the Entertainer Presents, All of Us, Eve, The Soul Man and Real Husbands of Hollywood.[5]

Lathan was the executive producer and director of the stand-up comedy special Dave Chappelle: Killin' Them Softly written by and starring comedian Dave Chappelle. It was Chappelle's first hour-long HBO special, and premiered in 2000. Lathan would go on to produce and direct several more of Chappelle's specials, including For What It's Worth, which was produced in 2004 for Showtime. In 2017, Lathan produced and directed four Chappelle specials for Netflix: The Bird Revelation, Equanimity, The Age of Spin,[11] and Deep in the Heart of Texas.[11] He also produced and directed Chappelle's fifth Netflix special, Sticks & Stones, which was released in 2019.

He executive produced and directed Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Higher, a one-hour comedy special for HBO, and It's Black Entertainment, a two-hour musical documentary for Showtime.

Lathan began directing network television in 1973, when he was brought to Los Angeles to direct multiple episodes of Sanford & Son. He went on to direct Hill Street Blues, Miami Vice, Remington Steele, Cagney & Lacey, Frank's Place, Roc and others. He also directed the 1984 feature film Beat Street for Orion Pictures.[12]

Lathan directed dramas for public television's Great Performances, American Playhouse and The American Short Story. For PBS, he directed Alvin Ailey: Memories & Visions and other dance specials featuring the Martha Graham Company, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Agnes de Mille.[5] He directed three seasons of the popular PBS music series, SOUL!, and he was one of the first directors of Sesame Street.[10]

In 1989, Lathan partnered with Russell Simmons to create the stand-up comedy franchise Def Comedy Jam on HBO.[13] This series ran for 8 seasons and showcased many of today's popular television & movie stars.[14]

Lathan also received a Peabody Award for the series Def Poetry on HBO. That same year, Lathan co-produced Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, which won a Tony Award for best special theatrical event and has toured both domestically and internationally.[15]

In 2006, Lathan co-created Run's House, a five-season reality series for MTV that spawned a spinoff series, Daddy's Girls. He also co-executive produced Running Russell Simmons, an eight-part series for Oxygen. In 2012, he executive produced and directed The Ruckus, a stand-up series for Comedy Central.[16]

In 2008, Lathan was the creator and executive producer of Brave New Voices, a seven-part docu-reality series for HBO.[17] As a follow-up in 2009, Lathan staged and directed An Evening of Poetry, Music and Spoken Word, hosted by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in the White House.

Lathan received both the 2003 Diversity Award and the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Caucus for Producers, Writers and Directors.[18] He has received six NAACP Image Awards for his achievements in film and television. He was honored in 2014 by the Directors Guild of America for his directing career.[19] In 2017, he received the Trailblazer Award from the Apollo Theater in Harlem.[20] In 2018, he was nominated for a DGA Award for his direction of the comedy special Dave Chappelle: The Age of Spin[21] and received a 2018 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the same special and Dave Chappelle: Deep in the Heart of Texas.[22]

In 2018, Lathan directed a Netflix stand-up comedy special[23] Mo Amer: The Vagabond and an HBO stand-up comedy special Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin'.[24]

Lathan executive produced and directed Dave Chappelle: Equanimity[25] (2017) which received a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded).

Lathan won another Grammy Award for the 2019 Best Comedy Album for Dave Chappelle: Equanimity and Dave Chappelle: The Bird Revelation.[26]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Movies & TV - Stan Lathan". The New York Times. 2015. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  2. ^ "BET Networks' Award-Winning Comedy "Real Husbands of Hollywood" Returns for a Third Season This Fall". MarketWatch.com. 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  3. ^ "The HistoryMakers Video Archive interview collection presented with Carnegie Mellon Informedia technology".
  4. ^ http://www.encyclopedia.com/article-1G2-2509910860/lathan-dr-william-edward.html [dead link]
  5. ^ a b c "The HistoryMakers: Stan Lathan". The HistoryMakers. 2015. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  6. ^ "Julia Lathan in the 1940 Census". Archives.com/. 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  7. ^ "Pursuing a Boxing Passion, but as a Judge". NYTimes.com/. May 18, 1997. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  8. ^ "State jazz figure Charles Lewis celebrates 81st birthday with party, intimate concert". DowntownDevil.com/. September 24, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  9. ^ "African American Chronicles: Black History at Penn State". BlackHistory.PSU.EDU/. 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "SOUL! Interview: Director Stan Lathan". Thirteen - WNET - New York Public Media. WNET New York. January 2009. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  11. ^ a b Stanhope, Kate (March 14, 2017). "Dave Chappelle Netflix Specials Get Trailer, Release Date". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  12. ^ "MOVIE REVIEW Beat Street (1984) MOVIE: 'BEAT STREET'". NYTimes.com/. June 8, 1984. Archived from the original on February 12, 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
  13. ^ "Simmons Lathan Media Group Announces Corporate Launch: Entertainment Trailblazers Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan Introduce New Production, Acquisition and Distribution Model". PR Newswire. June 19, 1989. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  14. ^ "The Def Jam Generation: The Arrival of Def Comedy Jam". The Paley Center for Media. 2009. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  15. ^ "Spread the Word: Tony Award-Winning Def Poetry Jam Launches Tour in Philadelphia, Oct. 16". Playbill.com. 2003. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  16. ^ "Simmons Lathan Media Group". Rush Communications. 2009. Archived from the original on January 19, 2015. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  17. ^ "Premiere Screening of Brave New Voices, a New HBO Series About Youth Speaks Poets, Draws Stars Robert Redford, Stan Lathan, Benjamin Bratt, Peter Bratt and Dave Eggers". PR Newswire. March 24, 2009. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  18. ^ "Diversity Award". Caucus.org. 2012. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  19. ^ "A Celebration of African American TV Directors". Directors Guild of America. May 15, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  20. ^ Williams, Brennan (June 9, 2017). "Cedric The Entertainer Returns to the Apollo Theater To Honor His Hollywood Mentor". Huffington Post. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  21. ^ Pedersen, Erik (January 10, 2018). "DGA Awards: Curtain Raised on TV & Documentary Nominations". Deadline. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  22. ^ "Winners". GRAMMY.com. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  23. ^ "Mo Amer is ready for the bright lights in Netflix special, 'The Vagabond'". The Daily Dot. October 10, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  24. ^ PR, HBO (December 3, 2018). "AMANDA SEALES: I BE KNOWIN' Debuts Saturday, Jan. 26 on HBO". Medium. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  25. ^ Dave Chappelle: Equanimity, December 31, 2017, retrieved January 25, 2019
  26. ^ "Dave Chappelle Wins Best Comedy Album". GRAMMY.com. February 3, 2019. Retrieved February 11, 2019.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stan_Lathan&oldid=1222079932"