Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Hissong |
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1947 |
| Age | 77 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Cinematographer, Director of Photography |
| Known For | Television work in the late 1970s and 1980s |
| Notable Credits | Soap (1977), Legends of the Superheroes (1979), CBS Summer Playhouse (1987) |
| Spouse | Erin Gray (m. 1991) |
| Children | Samantha Gray Hissong (b. 1991) |
| Stepchildren | Kevan Gray Schwartz (b. 1976) |
| Residence | California |
| Public Presence | Low profile; minimal media and social media activity |
Early Life and Path to the Camera
Richard Hissong was born on October 6, 1947, in Los Angeles, the city where film and television permeate the air like ocean fog. Details about his early years, schooling, or family background are scarce—not by accident, but by design. Hissong has kept his personal life behind the lens, preferring the quiet precision of craft to the flash of publicity.
He entered the entertainment industry through technical roles, a route common for those drawn to the meticulous choreography of light, lenses, and timing. By the late 1970s, he had carved out a place in television, a medium whose rapid production cycles reward reliability and a steady eye. Hissong’s portfolio from this period suggests an artist comfortable with both the comedic rhythms of sitcoms and the stylized demands of genre programming.
Career Highlights in Television
Hissong’s best-known period spans the late 1970s through the 1980s, when American television was experimenting with formats, tones, and storytelling. His credits during this window emphasize range over spotlight—precisely framed work that served the show rather than overshadowed it.
Highlights include:
- Soap (1977): A landmark satirical sitcom known for its serialized storytelling and tonal agility. Hissong’s camera work supported the show’s comedic timing and ensemble dynamics.
- Legends of the Superheroes (1979): A colorful, live-action, comic-book-inspired special where lighting and staging were crucial to selling larger-than-life characters on a television budget.
- CBS Summer Playhouse (1987): An anthology format that required fresh visual approaches from episode to episode.
These credits reflect a career grounded in the demands of weekly television—fast setups, quick pivots, and the ability to make an episode look as if it had weeks of prep rather than days. The camera was his tuning fork, setting the pitch for each scene’s mood.
Selected Credits (1977–1987)
| Year | Title | Format | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Soap | TV series | Cinematography/Camera Department |
| 1979 | Legends of the Superheroes | TV special | Cinematography/Camera Department |
| 1987 | CBS Summer Playhouse | TV anthology | Cinematography/Camera Department |
By the 1990s and beyond, public records of new screen credits taper off. It suggests a step back from front-facing roles in Hollywood or a shift toward private projects and collaborations outside mainstream listings.
A Partnership in Life and Work: Erin Gray and Richard Hissong
Hissong met actress Erin Gray on the set of Silver Spoons (1982–1987), where Gray starred as Kate Summers Stratton. Accounts indicate he was working on the production—behind the scenes, as ever. Their professional overlap turned personal, and they married in 1991. The couple settled in California, building a family anchored in mutual respect and low-key resilience.
Together, Hissong and Gray ventured beyond screen sets into wellness. They produced educational content related to Tai Chi and Chi Kung, reflecting a shared belief in mindful movement and balance. The projects carried the hallmarks of Hissong’s technical sensibility—clean visuals, steady pacing, instructional clarity—paired with Gray’s ease on camera.
Life brought its challenges, as it does, including financial headwinds in the 1990s that demanded resourcefulness. Through it all, they emphasized steadiness: family first, work a close second, the rest a distant third. That philosophy shows in their modest public footprint and the consistent support they provide each other.
Family at the Center
Richard Hissong’s family life is the most visible part of his otherwise quiet story. It orbits around his marriage to Erin Gray and their daughter, Samantha, with close ties to Gray’s son from her first marriage.
- Erin Gray (b. January 7, 1950): A model-turned-actress best known for Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979–1981) and Silver Spoons. She continues occasional on-screen work and maintains long-standing interests in wellness and advocacy.
- Samantha Gray Hissong (b. December 21, 1991): Richard and Erin’s daughter, who has pursued acting and music journalism. Samantha married musician Ilan Rubin in October 2020; they have one child and announced a second pregnancy in mid-2025.
- Kevan Gray Schwartz (b. 1976): Erin’s son from her first marriage; he works in entertainment-related roles and maintains a low public profile.
- Ilan Rubin (b. July 7, 1988): Samantha’s husband, a multi-instrumentalist known for work with Nine Inch Nails and Angels & Airwaves.
Family milestones—weddings, grandchildren, birthdays—occasionally surface in public posts or event photos, but rarely more than a glimpse. It is a portrait of togetherness without spectacle.
Family Overview
| Name | Relationship | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Erin Gray | Spouse | Actress; married to Hissong since 1991; wellness advocate |
| Samantha Gray Hissong | Daughter | Actress and music journalist; married in 2020; mother of one; second child expected (announced mid-2025) |
| Kevan Gray Schwartz | Stepson | Works in entertainment production; low public profile |
| Ilan Rubin | Son-in-law | Musician; associated with Nine Inch Nails and Angels & Airwaves |
| Grandchildren | Grandchildren | One child born post-2020; another expected as of 2025 |
Recent Years and Public Presence
From 2024 to 2025, there has been no major public news about Richard Hissong directly. That’s in keeping with his long-standing preference to let his work and family speak for themselves. He does not appear to maintain active public social media accounts, and when his name surfaces, it’s usually as a mention in family contexts—an event photo with Erin Gray, an affectionate nod from his daughter, a reunion snapshot that reminds fans of television’s golden decades.
At 77 in 2025, Hissong’s life appears steady and private. There are no indications of major health concerns reported publicly, no controversies, no sudden career pivots. The camera might be resting on its tripod, but the eye behind it—the craftsman’s eye that once helped shape the look of late-twentieth-century television—remains a defining part of his story.
Legacy and Style
Hissong’s legacy is the kind that often goes unsung in entertainment histories: the reliable artisan whose work sharpened performances and kept productions on time. Television, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, demanded a particular discipline. Episodes had to be lit, shot, and delivered at a pace that would faze slower-moving film schedules. Hissong met that pace, again and again.
His collaborations in wellness content with Erin Gray further reflect a practical visual sense—stripped-down, instructive, focused on clarity rather than spectacle. It’s a throughline from sitcom stages to instructional videos: the image serves the moment, not the other way around.
FAQ
Who is Richard Hissong?
He is an American cinematographer best known for television work in the late 1970s and 1980s, and for maintaining a notably private personal life.
When and where was Richard Hissong born?
He was born on October 6, 1947, in Los Angeles, California.
What are some of his notable credits?
His credits include the TV series Soap (1977), the special Legends of the Superheroes (1979), and the anthology CBS Summer Playhouse (1987).
Is Richard Hissong still active in the industry?
Public listings show few recent credits, suggesting he has retired or moved to private projects.
Who is his spouse?
He has been married to actress Erin Gray since 1991.
Does he have children?
Yes, he and Erin Gray have one daughter, Samantha Gray Hissong; he is also stepfather to Gray’s son, Kevan.
Where does he live?
He resides in California.
Is Richard Hissong on social media?
There are no verified public accounts associated with him; he keeps a low profile online.
Are there any controversies associated with him?
No major controversies involving Richard Hissong have been reported.
