RIP James Frawley - Monkees and Muppets Director

James Frawley, who directed the Emmy Award winning Monkees series and the first Muppets Movie, has passed away at the age of 82.

'Monkees' TV director and Indian Wells resident James Frawley dies in desert he loved

 

James Frawley in ‘The Muppets Movie’ which he directed.

 

RIP James Frawley – Monkees Director | The Monkees Home Page

 

Zilch!:A Monkees Podcast!: Zilch #57 James Frawley interview & "Too Many Girls"

 

For James Frawley who directed ‘The Muppet Movie’.

 

RIP James Frawley, terribly sad news...worked on many television projects too!

 

James Frawley’s credit the 2000 Three Stooges biopic.

 

He was also in Anyone Can Whistle.

 

From The Pre-fab Four to Kermit and the gang; that's not a bad career.

R.I.P.

 

A friend of mine who works in Hollywood just posted this on Facebook:

The guy was nuts, but had the greatest stories and I loved his work and working with him.

He told me that when he won the Emmy for directing the Monkees he soon after spotted Groucho Marx on the street in Beverly Hills. Thinking he had an actual conversation starter he went up to Groucho and introduced himself. He told Groucho that he had just won the Emmy for directing a new TV show that was directly influenced by the work of him and his brothers. He said Groucho said to him: “Emmy? I once f---ed a girl named Emmy.” and walked away.

 

Zilch Podcast Link Tribute to James Frawley -

Zilch!:A Monkees Podcast!: Zilch #131 M101 “Your Friendly Neighborhood Kidnappers”

 

Another anecdote from my friend:

While shooting a TV movie in the early 90’s during a blocking rehearsal, a day player (non-main cast member) questioned Jim’s direction and began to offer his advice. Jim cuts him off and asks for the crew to exit the four plywood walled no ceiling set.
After we left and the door closed Jim reamed this actor who dared question his direction. Yelled! Then he calmly opened the door and invited us back into the set.

 

RIP, thanks for the memories. Say hi to Davy, Jim, Richard, and the Jerrys for us.

 

Because of his influence on the Monkees and their series, he inadvertently had an influence (quite a large one, actually, considering how much I loved The Muppet Movie as a kid) on me and in my life. I think that is the true magic of art; one never has to directly meet the artist whatever the medium for the art exists to be enjoyed, studied and examined forever more even long after the creator has left this mortal coil. Jim Frawley was an original and sounds like he led an amazing life. Good for him!

Thanks for the memories and the inspiration, Mr. Frawley. Condolences to his family and loved ones.

 

Thanks for creating this thread, Fred. James Frawley was very talented. I will revisit his various Monkees-related interviews sometime soon. Thanks for posting some of the links.

 

My pleasure.

 

Thanks for posting this. I remember this episode and I didn’t realize that James Frawley played the strike organizer.