Joe Dea dead: Legendary MTV video director dies aged 71 after tying knot in hospital bed

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Acclaimed Music Video Director Joe Dea Dies at 71

Joseph “Joe” Dea, an Emmy-winning director celebrated for his innovative work in music videos and reality television, has passed away at the age of 71. Dea succumbed to glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, on Sunday, March 13. A pioneer in the music video industry and a key figure in the early days of MTV, Dea’s influential career includes five videos recognized in Rolling Stone Magazine’s All-Time Top 100 Videos. His contributions shaped the visual landscape of popular music. His recent marriage to Melissa Force, after a 24-year partnership, brought a bittersweet joy to his final days.

Tributes Pour In for Directing Luminary

Melissa Force, his wife, confirmed the news of his death via a heartfelt Facebook post, stating simply, “Joe died today,” accompanied by a cherished photograph of the couple. They had recently celebrated their wedding on January 29, exchanging vows in Dea’s room at Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, where he was receiving palliative care. Following the ceremony, Force shared with Vitals the profound significance of the moment: “Joe barely had a voice during the wedding, but he articulated his deepest sentiments and emphasized everything that held importance for him. Joe achieved what he truly desired, and I am profoundly grateful that he experienced such happiness.”

Following news of his passing, numerous tributes emerged, honoring the esteemed director.

• “Damn, so sorry to hear…funny and talented guy, we worked together in the ’80s and recently would run into each other at TV Academy events. Shocked and sad, condolences to everyone,” remarked one colleague.
• Another wrote, “A wonderful spirit has left this place but will always be with us. We’ll miss you Joe Dea.”
• “So sad to hear this. My thoughts and prayers for his family. He was a very talented individual,” added a third.

Legacy Forged at Videowest and MTV

Dea’s impact on visual media began as a founding member of Videowest, a groundbreaking production company specializing in comedy, music videos, and alternative news formats. This venture paved the way for his involvement in magazine-style television programs such as USA’s TakeOFF and ABC’s Backstage Pass, as well as OnTV’s Rock ONTV and, subsequently, MTV’s music news segments. His early work was instrumental in defining the visual aesthetics of these influential networks and programs.

Music Video Hall of Fame Recognition

As a music video director, Dea was deeply involved in every aspect of production, from conceptualization and design to directing over 30 videos. Among these, five achieved the distinction of being listed in Rolling Stone Magazine’s All-Time Top 100 Videos. Notably, Greg Kihn’s “Jeopardy” and “Happy Man” are included, along with Krokus’s “Screaming in the Night,” which broke ground as the first heavy metal video to gain prominent rotation on MTV. His visionary approach left an indelible mark on the genre.

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Emmy Award and Museum of Modern Art Honor

His innovative video for Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen’s “Two Triple Cheese, Side Order of Fries” in 1980 garnered an Emmy Award and secured a place in Rolling Stone Magazine’s Music Video Hall of Fame. Furthermore, it was inducted into the permanent collection of New York’s prestigious Museum of Modern Art, solidifying its cultural significance.

Transition to Prime Time Television

In the late 1980s, Dea expanded his career into prime-time television, directing network specials for NBC and Fox, including “Masters of Illusion: The Wizards of Special Effects” and “The World’s Greatest Stunts.” He also held the position of senior director for TLC’s long-running reality series, “A Wedding Story,” demonstrating his versatility and enduring presence in the television industry.

On-Screen Appearances

Occasionally, Dea stepped in front of the camera, co-hosting the History Channel’s “What Went Down.” He also made an appearance as background talent on the daytime drama “The Young and the Restless,” showcasing his diverse engagements within the entertainment sphere.

Survived by Wife and Family

Joe Dea is survived by his wife Melissa Force; stepdaughter Tamara Miller; stepson Dylan Miller; six step-grandchildren; and his sisters Elaine Dea and Maureen Dea. His contributions to music videos and television, and his creative spirit will be remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.

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