George McCowan, born on June twenty-seventh, nineteen twenty-seven, was a prominent Canadian film and television director whose career flourished during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. He began his journey in the entertainment industry with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, where he honed his skills as both an actor and director. His passion for the arts led him to the Stratford Festival, where he contributed significantly for several seasons before making the leap to the United States in nineteen sixty-seven.
Throughout his illustrious career, McCowan directed numerous episodes of popular television series, including Charlie's Angels, S.W.A.T., and Starsky and Hutch. He was also at the helm of every episode of the beloved Canadian series Seeing Things. His versatility extended to other notable shows such as The Silent Force, The Mod Squad, The Streets of San Francisco, Fantasy Island, and Hart to Hart, showcasing his ability to engage audiences across various genres.
In addition to his television work, McCowan directed several films that left a mark on the industry. His filmography includes the 1970 TV movie Carter's Army, the Canadian hockey film Face-Off released in nineteen seventy-one, and The Magnificent Seven Ride!, the fourth installment of the iconic series, in nineteen seventy-two. That same year, he also directed the cult horror film Frogs and the 1976 feature Shadow of the Hawk. Notably, he directed H. G. Wells' The Shape of Things to Come and the television war movie The Challenge, for which he chose to be credited as Alan Smithee.
George McCowan's life came to a close on November first, nineteen ninety-five, when he passed away from emphysema in Santa Monica, California. His contributions to film and television continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and industry professionals alike.