Donald P. Bellisario Biography
Donald P. Bellisario is a famous American Screenwriter and Television Producer born in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, United States. Bellisario made films and sometimes wrote episodes for the TV series Magnum, P.I. (1980), Tales of the Gold Monkey (1982), Airwolf (1984), Quantum Leap (1989), JAG (1995), and NCIS (2003). Donald P Bellisario has frequently included military veterans as characters.
Bellisario is perhaps best known for his work in creating and producing the hit television shows Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap, JAG, NCIS, and NCIS: Los Angeles. These shows have been extremely popular with audiences around the world, and have received critical acclaim for their innovative storytelling, compelling characters, and high production values. Through these shows, Bellisario has helped to shape the television landscape and has inspired countless other producers and writers to follow in his footsteps.
His impact on his field and society is significant and far-reaching. His work has entertained and inspired millions of people around the world, and his contributions to the television industry have helped to shape the way we think about and consume media. As such, he is an important figure to both those within the entertainment industry and to society at large.
10 Quick Facts About Donald P. Bellisario
- Name: Donald P. Bellisario
- Age: 88 Years (2023)
- Birthday: 8 August
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Screenwriter and Television Producer
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: To be Updated
- Net worth: $500 Million
Donald P. Bellisario Age
Bellisario is 88 years old as of 2023, he was born on 8 August 1935, in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 8 August every year and his birth sign is Leo.
Donald P. Bellisario Height
Bellisario stands at a height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m) tall.
Donald P. Bellisario Weight
Bellisario has a moderate weight. His weight is publicly not available. We will update this section once the information is available.
Donald P. Bellisario Early Life and Education
Bellisario was born on 8 August 1935, in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, to a Serbian-American mother and an Italian-American father. He performed in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 to 1959 and earned the rank of sergeant. According to Bellisario, he faced—and nearly got into a fight with—Lee Harvey Oswald in 1958 at a supply shed at Marine Air Control Squadron 9 because Oswald was reading Pravda, which insulted Bellisario.
Bellisario also acquired a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Pennsylvania State University in 1961. Bellisario became an advertising copywriter in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1965, and three years thereafter became creative director of the Bloom Agency in Dallas, Texas. After growing to senior vice president after eight years, he then proceeded to Hollywood to pursue screenwriting and show.
Donald P. Bellisario Rise to Fame
Bellisario’s rise to fame started in the 1970s when he started performing on television as a writer and producer. His first major success came in 1980 when he created and produced the hit show Magnum, P.I. The show, which starred Tom Selleck as a private investigator in Hawaii, was a huge success and ran for eight seasons, cementing Bellisario’s standing as a talented producer and writer.
Following the success of Magnum, P.I., Bellisario went on to develop and produce several other successful shows, including Quantum Leap, JAG, and NCIS. These shows were also extremely popular with audiences and helped to solidify Bellisario’s place as one of the most influential and successful producers in the television industry.
In addition to his work as a producer, he has also been recognized for his writing talent. He has been nominated for several awards, including several Emmy Awards, and has won a Writers Guild of America Award for his work on Magnum, P.I.
Donald P. Bellisario Parents
Bellisario was born in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, United States as the son of Albert Jethro Bellisario (father) an Italian-American, and Dana Lapcevic Bellisario (mother)a Serbian-American.
Donald P. Bellisario Siblings
Any information about Bellisario’s siblings is publicly not available. It is not known if he has siblings. We will update this section once the information is available.
Donald P. Bellisario Wife
Bellisario is currently married to his lovely wife Vivienne Bellisario. The couple did their wedding on November 27, 1998, and together they are blessed with two stepsons from the marriage, Chad and Sean Murray, the latter an actor who plays Timothy McGee on NCIS.
Previously, he had also married Deborah Pratt known for her character in Bellisario’s Airwolf, in 1984 and they divorced in 1991. They shared two children, Troian, and Nicholas. He was also in two relationships; he married Lynn Halpern in 1979 but divorced in 1984. They had a son, Michael Bellisario.
Lastly, he married Margaret Schaffran in 1956, and together they are blessed with four children, Joy Bellisario-Jenkins, David Bellisario a producer on NCIS: Los Angeles, Leslie Bellisario-Ingham, and Julie Bellisario-Watson, and later divorced in 1974.
Donald P. Bellisario Children
Bellisario is the proud father of nine children; Chad, Sean Murray, Troian, Nicholas, Michael Bellisario, Joy Bellisario-Jenkins, David Bellisario a producer on NCIS: Los Angeles, Leslie Bellisario-Ingham, and Julie Bellisario-Watson.
Donald P. Bellisario Net worth
Bellisario has an estimated net worth of $500 Million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Screenwriter and Television Producer. Through his various sources of income, Bellisario has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Donald P. Bellisario Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Donald P Bellisario.
Donald P. Bellisario Wiki
- Full Names: Donald Paul Bellisario
- Popular As: Donald P. Bellisario
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Screenwriter and Television Producer
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: To be Updated
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Donald P. Bellisario Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 88 Years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Date of Birth: 8 August 1935
- Place of Birth: Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, United States
- Birthday: 8 August
Donald P. Bellisario Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: To be Updated
- Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m)
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: White
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Chest Size: To be Updated
Donald P. Bellisario Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Albert Jethro Bellisario
- Mother: Dana Bellisario.
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): To be Updated
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/Wife: Married to Vivienne Bellisario
- Children: Chad, Sean Murray, Troian, Nicholas, Michael Bellisario, Joy Bellisario-Jenkins, David Bellisario a producer on NCIS: Los Angeles, Leslie Bellisario-Ingham, and Julie Bellisario-Watson
Donald P. Bellisario Networth and Salary
- Net Worth: $500 Million
- Salary: To be Updated
- Source of Income: Screenwriter and Television Producer
Donald P. Bellisario House and Cars
- Place of living: United States
- Cars: To be Updated
Donald P. Bellisario Career
Bellisario is a television producer and screenwriter who has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. He was born on August 8, 1935, in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, USA.
Bellisario served in the United States Marine Corps before starting his career in television writing. He started his career in the 1970s, writing for popular shows like “Baa Baa Black Sheep” and “Battlestar Galactica.”
In the 1980s, Bellisario created and produced several hit television shows, including “Magnum, P.I.,” “Quantum Leap,” and “JAG.” These shows were all highly successful, with “Magnum, P.I.” and “JAG” both running for more than a decade each.
In addition to his work in television, Bellisario has also written several novels, including “The Black Dragon,” “The Forgotten Soldier,” and “The Cannibal Queen.” He has also been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry with numerous awards, including several Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Donald P. Bellisario Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
One significant event in Bellisario’s career was the creation of the hit television series “Quantum Leap,” which aired from 1989 to 1993. The show followed the adventures of Dr. Sam Beckett, a scientist who becomes trapped in the past and must “leap” into the bodies of different people to change history. The show was a critical and commercial success, earning Bellisario a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 1990.
Another notable experience for him was the creation of the television series “JAG,” which premiered in 1995 and ran for ten seasons. The show focused on the work of military lawyers in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and was known for its patriotic themes and accurate depiction of military life. “JAG” was one of the highest-rated shows on television during its run, and inspired a spin-off series, “NCIS.”
Donald P. Bellisario House
Bellisario sold a home in the aristocratic seaside community of Montecito, Calif., for almost $5.9 million, an enviable chunk over the $4.2 million he paid about seven years earlier.
Donald P. Bellisario Penn State
Bellisario attended Penn State University, where he earned a degree in journalism in 1961. While at Penn State, he was a member of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) and served in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation.
He has remained connected to Penn State over the years and has been a generous donor to the university. In recognition of his contributions, Penn State’s College of Communications was named the Donald P Bellisario College of Communications in 2017. The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs in journalism, advertising/public relations, film video, telecommunications, and media studies.
Donald P. Bellisario Tv Shows
- Magnum, P.I. (1980)
- Tales of the Gold Monkey (1982)
- Airwolf (1984
- Quantum Leap (1989)
- JAG (1995
- NCIS (2003)
Donald P. Bellisario Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
In 2001, Bellisario founded the Donald P Bellisario Foundation, which provides scholarships to students pursuing degrees in the fields of television, film, and journalism. The foundation has granted millions of dollars in scholarships to students at various universities, including his alma mater, Penn State University.
Bellisario has also been involved in supporting military veterans and their families. He has donated to organizations such as the Fisher House Foundation, which provides housing for military families while their loved ones receive medical treatment, and the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides support to wounded veterans.
Bellisario has also been a supporter of arts and culture. He has donated to organizations such as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles and the Pacific Symphony in Orange County.
In addition, Bellisario has been involved in elevating environmental conservation and animal welfare. He has donated to organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the Humane Society of the United States.
Donald P. Bellisario Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Bellisario has been nominated for 19 Emmy Awards and has won 4, including Outstanding Drama Series for “Quantum Leap” in 1990 and Outstanding Miniseries or Movie for “The Two Mrs. Grenvilles” in 1988.
- Bellisario has won 6 People’s Choice Awards, including Favorite New TV Drama for “NCIS” in 2004 and Favorite Television Drama for “JAG” in 1997, 1998, and 1999.
- Bellisario has been nominated for 5 Writers Guild of America Awards and has won 1, for Best Episodic Drama for “Quantum Leap” in 1992.
- Bellisario has been nominated for 5 Producers Guild of America Awards and has won 1, for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television for “JAG” in 1998.
- Bellisario received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Penn State University, in 2001.
- Bellisario received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004 for his contributions to the television industry.
Donald P. Bellisario Legacy
Through his work as a television producer and screenwriter, Bellisario created and produced some of the most famous and compelling television shows of the past few decades, including “Magnum, P.I.,” “JAG,” “Quantum Leap,” and “NCIS.” These shows have entertained and enlightened audiences around the world and have had a significant impact on the television landscape.
In addition, his philanthropic, charitable, and community involvement has made a positive impact on various causes and organizations. Through the Donald P Bellisario Foundation and his support for military veterans, environmental conservation, animal welfare, and arts and culture, Bellisario has helped to make a difference in the lives of many people.
Bellisario’s legacy also includes the Donald P Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State University, which was named in recognition of his contributions to the university. The college provides students with an education in journalism, advertising/public relations, film-video, telecommunications, and media studies, and trains them for careers in the media industry.
Donald P. Bellisario Anecdotes
Despite his success as a television producer and screenwriter, Bellisario remained humble and down-to-earth. He was known for treating everyone on his sets with respect and kindness, regardless of their position or status.
Bellisario was a fan of science fiction and was particularly inspired by the work of Isaac Asimov. This influence can be seen in some of his shows, such as “Quantum Leap,” which explores themes of time travel and alternate realities.
Bellisario was also an animal lover and often incorporated animals into his shows. For example, in “Magnum, P.I.,” Magnum’s sidekick was a lovable Doberman Pinscher named Zeus, and in “JAG,” one of the main characters had a pet bulldog named Arnold.
Donald P. Bellisario Quotes
Frequently Asked Questions About Donald P. Bellisario
Donald P Bellisario is a famous American Screenwriter and Television Producer born in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, United States. Bellisario made films and sometimes wrote episodes for the TV series Magnum, P.I. (1980), Tales of the Gold Monkey (1982), Airwolf (1984), Quantum Leap (1989), JAG (1995), and NCIS (2003). Donald P Bellisario has frequently included military veterans as characters.
Bellisario is an American national born on 8 August 1935, in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, United States.
Bellisario stands at a height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m) tall.
Bellisario is currently married to his lovely wife Vivienne Bellisario.
Bellisario has an approximate net worth of $500 Million. This amount has been accrued from HIS leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Details about Bellisario’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Bellisario is a resident of Montecito, California, USA, we shall upload pictures of his house as soon as we have them.
Bellisario is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
As of now, Bellisario creates and sometimes wrote episodes for the TV series Magnum, P.I.
Donald P. Bellisario Contacts
- Youtube
- Website
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