Ted Peshak, born Theodore Joseph Peshak on December 22, 1917, in Plymouth, Iowa, was a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of professional pursuits. Initially, he worked as the house director for Coronet Instructional Media, a prominent producer of classroom training films, during the 1940s and 1950s.
Many of the actors appearing in his films were actually his family members, friends, and neighbors from Libertyville, Illinois, where he resided. Peshak's background in journalism was shaped by his training at the University of Iowa, and his experience as a photographer during his Army service during World War II further honed his skills.
In addition to his work as a director and photographer, Peshak also directed training films during his army hitch. After working in various roles, including an advertising agency, he joined Coronet as a director, making his debut with the film Shy Guy in 1947, which featured future Bewitched star Dick York.
Eventually, Peshak left Coronet and established his own company, Peshak Films, where he directed industrial films for a range of clients, including McDonald's and the American Health Care Association. He eventually transitioned out of the filmmaking industry and pursued a successful career as a real-estate developer in Illinois.
Tragically, Peshak passed away on October 9, 2006, in Lake Forest, Illinois, due to colon cancer.
