Thomas Freebairn-Smith, TV Academy Ex-Official, Dies
Thomas Freebairn-Smith, the first executive secretary of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, died Dec. 31 at the age of 85.
Working with Walt Disney and academy President Don DeFore, he helped form the national academy by merging East and West Coast chapters, recalled academy founder Syd Cas. “He (Freebairn-Smith) was a very fine gentleman, extremely talented and capable, and had a wonderful manner,” Cas said.
Freebairn-Smith held the post from 1952 until his retirement in 1968.
A native of England, Freebairn-Smith was born in Walton-on-Thames in 1900, and was educated at the King’s College Cambridge choir school. He was a radio announcer and later produced shows for such stars as Nelson Eddy, Jeanette MacDonald and Edward G. Robinson.
A resident of the Antelope Valley, Freebairn-Smith leaves a wife, Betty, sons Ian and Rod, and seven grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Michael and All Angels Church, 3646 Coldwater Canyon Ave. in Studio City. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to any charity in memory of Freebairn-Smith.
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