Ralph W. Hemecker, a veteran TV director, screenwriter and producer known for his work on “The X-Files,” “Blue Bloods,” “Once Upon a Time” and “The Flash,” has died. He was 65 years old.
Hemecker died on July 10 at his home in Glendale, California, according to his obituary. Mr. Hemecker’s credits over the years include “Millennium,” “Ghost Whisperer,” “Numb3rs,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Nikita,” and “V.” He directed the pilot for Fox, “Roar,” starring a then-unknown Heath Ledger, as well as the pilots for “Lawless” and “Dead at 21.”
Ralph William Hemecker was born June 12, 1961, and studied English at Bucknell University, where he had already made short films. I then took a film production class at New York University.
Hemecker began his career in production and post-production, with an early stint directing Fox’s “America’s Most Wanted.” He also had early experience on the syndicated series “Silk Stalkings,” for which he would later direct episodes, and on Stephen J. Cannell’s “Renegade.”
He got another big break in 2000 when he directed the TNT TV movie version of the Witchblade comic, executive produced by Dan Halstead and Oliver Stone. That became the “Witchblade” TV series, for which he served as showrunner, executive producer and writer for two seasons from 2001 to 2002.
Some of his busiest work includes directing 31 episodes of Blue Bloods and 28 episodes of Once Upon a Time.
“Once Upon a Time” star Lana Parrilla wrote on Instagram: “There are also feelings of loss that cannot be described in words.” “Ralph Hemecker was one of the kindest and most generous-hearted people I have ever known. He was one of the defining directors of Once Upon a Time. He was a truly passionate and beautiful man and a dear friend of mine. He was the one who knew ‘Once’ best from behind the camera, always staying up all night in the director’s office, studying the script, and constantly visiting the set for preparation.”His passion was contagious. We always knew if Ralph was directing, we’d be fine. ”
Once executive producers Adam Horowitz and Eddie Kitsis wrote, “Ralph Hemecker was a wonderful friend, partner, and true artist. His contributions to Once Upon a Time were immeasurable and will be missed beyond words.”
Hemecker also directed feature films and television films, including Dead On, Blade Squad, Haunting Sarah, Fatal Desire, Nora Roberts’ Angel’s Fall, Nora Roberts’ Midnight Bayou, and Skyrunner. He started Mythic Films in 2000.
Hemecker is survived by two stepdaughters, his father, sister, brother, three nephews, one niece, and one great-nephew. Service details will be announced at a later date.
