logo
GettyImages
GettyImages

Sanaa Lathan's Father Stan Lathan Is a Famous TV Director — Meet Him

Aby Rivas
May 18, 2020
10:30 A.M.

Sanaa Lathan, better known for her roles in films like “The Best Man” and “Love & Basketball,” is not the only member of her family to be involved in showbiz. Her father is a renowned director and producer with over forty years of experience.

Advertisement

Actress Sanaa Lathan carries the talent and passion for performing in her DNA. Her mother, Eleanor McCoy, is a former dancer and actress who was in the company of the original Broadway production of the “Wiz.”

Sanaa Lathan attends Step Up's 14th annual Inspiration Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on June 1, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California | Photo: GettyImages

Sanaa Lathan attends Step Up's 14th annual Inspiration Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on June 1, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California | Photo: GettyImages

McCoy also toured the world as part of Alvin Ailey’s dance company, performed alongside Eartha Kitt, and appeared on the 1978 musical “The Wiz,” starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

On the other hand, Saana’s father, Stan Lathan, is a trailblazer director and producer who became one of the first black directors on television back when creatives were still predominantly white. Meet him.

Advertisement

MEET STAN LATHAN

Stan is the youngest of three brothers born to Julia Elizabeth Dunston and Stanley Edward Lathan in Philadelphia in 1945.

Aside from Saana, Stan has three more daughters, Lilliane, Colette, and Arielle.

Stan’s father left the family when he was around three or four years old, so he never really got to meet the man. Although his mother remarried at some point, Stan says he and his siblings grew up in a single-parent home.

Stan Lathan headshot, 14 January 2016 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Images

Stan Lathan headshot, 14 January 2016 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Images

Stan’s brother William, who is eight years older than him, became his role model. Both went to Pennsylvania State University, William, to study medicine and Stan to earn a degree in arts and theater.

Advertisement

“Even though we lived in the projects, and even though nobody else around us was thinking about college, literally, not thinking about it, this was our destiny,” Stan said in an interview with the Directors Guild of America.

During his time in college, Stan spent part of his sophomore year doing an internship in Pittsburgh, at KDKA. There, he started learning the rope of journalism and broadcasting, working behind the scenes, and always attentive at the director’s job.

Sanaa Lathan and father Stan Lathan during Russell Simmons's Def Poetry Jam After-Party at Bryant Park Grill in New York, New York, United States.  | Photo: GettyImages

Sanaa Lathan and father Stan Lathan during Russell Simmons's Def Poetry Jam After-Party at Bryant Park Grill in New York, New York, United States. | Photo: GettyImages

STAN LATHAN’S EARLY CAREER

In 1968, after he graduated, WGBH-TV contacted him to produce and direct “Say, Brother,” the first show to reflect on the African American culture through documentaries, interviews, and performances.

Advertisement

By the end of 1969, Stan got a call from a producer at PBS who offered him the chance to move to New York and work as a director at their new show “Black Journal.”

During his time on “Black Journal,” Stan also became one of the first black directors to work on “Sesame Street” and was also behind three seasons of the popular PBS music series, “SOUL!.”

Advertisement

Then, in 1974, while he was still working in New York, Stan got a call from one of the executive producers of “Sanford and Son.” They wanted to hire a black director, and his name popped up while they were doing their research.

Stan, of course, took the opportunity, and two weeks later, he was in the director chair in Redd Fox’s popular sitcom throughout six episodes.

Advertisement

MORE OPPORTUNITIES AFTER "SANFORD & SON"

After that, Stan went on to work on “Eight is Enough,” “Flamingo Road,” “Remington Steele,” and “Falcon Crest.” Then, from 1991 to 1994, he directed “Roc,” and he also partnered with Russell Simmons to launch “Def Comedy Jam.”

He also developed “Def Poetry Jam” on Broadway, which won a Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event in 2003.

Stan has worked closely with comedian Dave Chapelle, directing several of his comedy specials for Netflix. He also directed and produced BET’s “The Real Husbands of Hollywood,” and Rev Run’s MTV reality show “Run’s House.”

Advertisement

In 2013, Stan received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Caucus for Producers, Writers, and Directors, and the following year he was honored by the Directors Guild of America for his prolific career. He also has six NAACP Image Awards.

Aside from Saana, Stan has three more daughters, Lilliane, Colette, and Arielle, and a son, Tendaji, from his first marriage to Marguerite Lathan.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Did I Cross a Line with My Actions When I Encouraged My Daughter to Divorce Her Husband?

February 05, 2024

William Edward Richmond Was Once Isabel Sanford's Husband

November 15, 2023

Did I Cross a Line with My Actions When I Encouraged My Daughter to Divorce Her Husband?

January 08, 2024

Diana Ross Begged Son to Protect her Estate – His Life Changed Following Wedding

December 06, 2023

Sal Vulcano Does Not Have a Wife and Likes to Prank Couples Heading to the Altar

December 08, 2023

This Lady Captured the Heart of 'James Bond' Star and One-Time Sexiest Man Alive Who Showers Her with Praises

November 15, 2023

5 Celebrity Couples Whose Marriages Have Lasted for 40 Years and More

January 24, 2024

This Woman Is a Great Actor's 33-Year Younger Girlfriend - She Was a Hostess at His Hotel When They Met

February 20, 2024

David Beckham’s Only Daughter Looks ‘Grown Up’ Wearing Figure-Hugging Dress in Photo

March 03, 2024

Woman Leaves Triplets with Their Dad & Chooses Career, Years Later She Shows up & Begs for Help — Story of the Day

February 07, 2024

'Poor Man': Ozzy Osbourne, Who Said He 'Can’t Do' Surgeries Anymore, Seen Being Pushed in a Wheelchair at 74

November 17, 2023

Conan Gray's Ethnicity: Singer's Interracial Parents Partly Raised Him in Japan

November 11, 2023

Robert Downey Jr. Is Lucky to Have ‘Sane’ Wife for 18 Years – She Set Rules to Save Their Relationship

February 27, 2024

Jennifer Garner & Ben Affleck Spotted Meeting Up on Valentine’s Day — Details & Photo

February 15, 2024