Famed Music Video Director Marty Callner Dead at 78—Mastermind Behind Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, and Garth Brooks Classics

For fans of music videos like “If I Could Turn Back Time”, “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, and “Here I Go Again”, they remember what it was like to watch those videos for the first time. But what many might not know, behind each of the videos was music producer and director Matry Callner. Spending years in the production business, the director helped create videos and specials for stars like Chris Rock, Cher, Garth Brooks, Whitesnake, Twisted Sister, Jerry Seinfeld, and Robin Williams. Sadly, the director passed away on Monday at 78 years old. 

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The news of Callner’s passing hit headlines when his representative Gail Parenteau announced the director passed away at his home in Malibu. Although heartbreaking for the family, his son noted that he passed from natural causes. 

Having worked with countless stars, The New York Times considered Callner one of the “most successful” directors “you have never heard of.” Always finding himself behind the camera, the director was also behind the original Pee-wee Herman Show. Releasing a statement, National Comedy Center executive director Journey Gunderson, said, “Marty Callner was a visionary director whose work shaped the landscape of comedy for generations.” 

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Dane Cook Remembers Legacy Of Marty Callner

Giving just a glimpse into his life as a director, Gunderson added, “From his iconic HBO specials with Robin Williams, George Carlin, Robert Klein, Billy Crystal, Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld to his groundbreaking concert films, he brought stand-up comedy to life in a way that was both intimate and unforgettable. We honor his extraordinary legacy and the joy he brought to audiences everywhere.”

Not just Gunderson, but even Dane Cook, who worked with Callner on the 2022 special Above It All, took a moment to remember the director. “You put me on the map w/ Vicious Circle at HBO – you told me dream big and we did.” The comedian continued, “You directed the best because the best wanted to work with the best – you. You had the astonishing ability to take the best of a creative person and highlight it, define it with them all the while capturing it with your stellar team. Condolences to the whole family – I love you guys. Marty – we always said it to each other – ‘I love you more!’”

(Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)