Emmy-winning producer Richard L. O'Connor has died at the age of 96. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, O'Connor was most well known for being behind legendary movies like The Muppet Movie and On Golden Pond.
His family announced his tragic passing on an obituary website. There, they wrote, "Emmy Award winning producer, studio executive, and long-time resident of the Mendocino Coast died in Palm Desert, California on July 22, 2026." They did not note a cause of death.
The obituary went on to detail the life of the producer. He was a veteran, having served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.
O'Connor got his start in CBS Television City before catapulting into fame. In his roles as a producer and later an executive, he had credits on a number of movies and TV shows.
These included: On Golden Pond; Wild Texas Wind; The Muppet Movie; Tom Clancy's Op Center; and Amerika, among others, per the obituary.
But it was A Mother's Courage: The Mary Thomas Story which gave him his Emmy. He produced the NBC children's film in 1990, where he won the "outstanding children's program" category.
The producer is survived by his wife, Brona, as well as his children: daughters Kathleen, Triglia, and Karen, his stepdaughter Kate, his stepsons Marc and Matt, and his four grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Motion Picture & Television Fund, or the Marine Corps League Foundation.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Tributes Have Poured in for the Emmy-Winning Producer
Tributes have poured in for the Emmy-winning producer.
One commenter remembered The Muppet Movie as a "top 10 comedy" that shaped their humor. Another commenter said that the movie was "one of the most impressive displays of practical effects" they've seen.
Another commenter wrote, "Holy smokes, Hollywood is shrinking. RIP Mr O'Connor!" with another writing, "Legends leave behind more than just awards."
Others honored the Emmy-winning producer by posting GIFs of candles.
A funeral mass is set to happen in his hometown on August 8. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
