Hugh Wilson dead: Police Academy director dies aged 74

Hugh Wilson — director of the classic comedy Police Academy and creator of the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati — has died, aged 74.

According to friends and family, the filmmaker died in Charlottesville, Virginia following an illness.

Wilson was originally hired as a scriptwriter on Police Academy but went on to direct the iconic movie which itself spawned six sequels along with both animated and live-action TV series.

WKRP in Cincinnati was the director’s first national success, running for 90 episodes and telling the story of a young radio worker who helps reinvigorate a station. The show managed to accumulate 10 Emmy nominations.

Born and raised in Florida, he went on to helm the movies Blast from the Past and The First Wives Club along with creating the TV show Frank's Place.

Wilson’s last movie as a director was the 2004 baseball film Mickey starring Harry Connick Jr. and Michelle Johnson. He continued to teach at the University of Virginia in the following years.

Wilson is survived by his wife, Charters Smith, their five children, and four grandchildren.