Ted Post (Theodore Post, March 31, 1918 – August 20, 2013) was an American director whose career spanned live television, episodic series and feature films. He is widely remembered for directing Clint Eastwood in the western Hang 'Em High and the crime thriller Magnum Force. Post’s work bridged the studio system and the expanding world of televised drama, earning him a reputation as a steady, actor-friendly director.
Early life and training
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Post grew up in the cultural environment of the city and studied performance and the dramatic arts at the High School of Performing Arts. His New York roots informed an early apprenticeship in theater and live broadcast, a common route for directors of his generation who moved from stage to television production. He maintained ties to his hometown throughout his life and returned to work in California later in his career.
Television career
Post made his name in television, directing dramatic programs in the 1950s and 1960s at a time when live and filmed TV dramas were evolving rapidly. He worked across genres, from westerns and courtroom dramas to action series, and developed a reputation for efficient shooting and clear storytelling. Directors like Post were instrumental in shaping episodic television techniques that became standard in later decades. See an overview of televised drama trends at television history.
Feature films and collaborations
Transitioning to features, Post is best known for two collaborations with actor and star Clint Eastwood: the 1968 western Hang 'Em High and the 1973 police thriller Magnum Force, the latter a follow-up in the Dirty Harry series. These films show his ability to handle action, moral ambiguity and star-driven material. For more on his film work see Clint Eastwood collaborations and general director filmographies at film director resources.
Style and legacy
Post’s directing style emphasized performance and clarity. Critics and colleagues often noted his straightforward storytelling and the respectful way he worked with actors. His career demonstrates the mid-20th century crossover between television and cinema and the professional pathways available to directors of his era. Institutions that document film and television history provide further context: Brooklyn cultural records and archival collections at New York film archives.
Personal life and death
Post was married to Thelma Post from 1941 until his death; the couple had two children. He died of natural causes on August 20, 2013, in Santa Monica, California at the age of 95. For biographical summaries and commemorations see obituary notices.