David Pressman began his career in the early 1930s as a teacher at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. In addition, he acted in Broadway productions and directed several other Broadway shows. A prominent director in the early days of television drama, Mr. Pressman had his career put on hold after his named appeared on a McCarthy blacklist. During his exile Mr. Pressman founded the acting department at Boston University. Pressman returned to Broadway where he directed Jason Robards in the his Tony Award winning role in "The Disenchanted".
Son of actor Lawrence Pressman and actress Lanna Saunders. Grandson of actor Nicholas Saunders and actress Gedda Petry. Great Grandson of actress Olga Baclanova.
Was the uncredited voice of the VH1 Fashion Awards in Zoolander .
Was in the classic series finale episode of "Newhart" .
Nephew of Theodore Saunders.
Father of Michael Pressman , director & co-executive producer of "Blue Bloods" .
He was Head Director of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theater in New York City from 1957 to 1963. He started the acting program at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts in the early 1950s. He was an original member of the Actors Studio in New York City.
From 1947 to 1952, he was a victim of the McCarthy blacklisting of suspecting communists.
He was awarded three Daytime Emmy Awards for Directing for "One Life to Live." He was a member and served on the Directors Guild of America Eastern Council for many years.
He retired from directing at 85 years old. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts in the 45th Infantry Division in Italy, France, and Germany.
He was survived by his wife, Sasha Pressman of 70 years; three sons, Gregory Pressman and his wife, Emily Pressman; Michael Pressman ; and Eugene Pressman; grandchildren; Joanna Pressman, Naomi Pressman, Joshua Pressman, Rachel Pressman; and Brooks Pressman; and three great-grandchildren.
