‘Thirtysomething’ Actor Now an Advisor to ‘Good Morning America’

By Alex Weprin 

What do the late 80’s drama series “Thirtysomething” and “Good Morning America” have in common? Yes, both appear (or appeared) on ABC, but now they also share a familiar face: Peter Horton.

Horton, who was one of the stars of the television series, has been consulting for “GMA” in recent months, according to B&C’s Marisa Guthrie.

Since leaving “Thirtysomething” Horton has gone on to have a successful career as a writer, director and producer, including on programs like “Grey’s Anatomy” and the upcoming Fox series “Lonestar.”

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For “GMA”, Horton is “working with the show’s directors on the look of the show; the set, production elements. But he’s also offering advice on the more ephemeral aspects, such as pacing and timing,” according to Guthrie.

“The analogy that I use all the time is that of a basketball player,” says Horton. “You’re in the playoff game with 20 seconds and you’re down by a point. The best way to get the ball in the hoop is to take your time and to take that moment before you shoot; to know how to wait for that right moment…

“It’s the same thing with [Stephanopoulos and Roberts],” he adds. “There’s such a tendency to rush by any performer. But if you take that beat, and take that moment, it’s truly effective. So we’re working on things along those lines. George and Robin have such tremendous skills. They’re such smart and generous people, that I think they’re going to do really well.”

He was brought on by ABC News chief David Westin, who was in charge of ABC Productions when he first met Horton, who at the time was just embarking on his directing career.

(Photo by Alan Light)

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