I am deeply saddened by the passing of Leo Chaloukian, a true pioneer and legend in the world of sound design. With a remarkable 60-year career, Chaloukian left an indelible mark on the industry, earning four national Emmys and two regional Emmys throughout his tenure at Ryder Sound Service.
Leo Chaloukian, an Emmy-honored sound designer with the Television Academy’s past leadership, passed away on July 18th. At the age of 97.
Throughout his six-decade long journey in the audio industry, Chaloukian garnered four national Emmy Awards and two regional Emmy Awards. He spent most of his professional tenure at Ryder Sound Service, a company he later owned solely.
He was involved in the sound design for National Geographic documentaries, productions by David Wolper, and iconic series such as “Lassie,” “Death Valley Days,” “Sea Hunt,” “Maverick,” “Route 66,” and “Gunsmoke,” in addition to collaborating on Jacques Cousteau’s special projects.
Chaloukian was in charge of the sound design for both “The Graduate” (1967) and “Easy Rider” (1969). Working alongside his team of audio engineers, he developed the sound designs for these films.
The company played a role in producing the recording sessions, retakes, and mixing for films such as “Love Story,” “The Godfather,” “Chinatown,” “Saturday Night Fever,” the initial Star Trek installments, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Tootsie,” and “The Killing Fields.”
Chaloukian was instrumental in guiding the company to secure multiple Emmy awards, one being for the 1986 Emmy win in the Best Achievement in Sound category for the television movie “Cross of Fire.” In the same year, Ryder clinched the Oscar for Best Achievement in Sound for the film “Platoon.”
In 1997, Soundelux Entertainment Group purchased Ryder from Chaloukian, making him the company’s senior vice president. Later, in 1970, he joined the Motion Picture Academy Board.
From 1989 to 1993, he held the position of Television Academy president. In 2004, he received the Syd Cassyd Founder’s Award as a recognition for his dedication and long-term commitment to the Academy.
“Kimme Chaloukian Black, Chaloukian’s daughter, shared in a statement how her father was deeply devoted to every endeavor. Upon graduating with the Belmont Class of 2017, he advised, ‘Follow what moves you from deep within, and hold on tight. Disregard those who may doubt your abilities to reach your aspirations.'”
Born on June 18, 1927, in Chicago, Chaloukian later relocated to a ranch in Agoura Hills, California, in 1939. His parents had emigrated from their homeland to the US to escape the horrors of the Armenian Genocide. Growing up, Chaloukian worked with horses for breeders and famous Hollywood personalities like Joel McCrea. He even managed to win a few horse races in Tijuana during his youth.
After completing his Navy tenure, Chaloukian pursued a career in jewelry and acting. However, a film director suggested he might excel in a behind-the-scenes role instead. Inspired by his cousin’s success as a sound mixer at Ryder Sound, Chaloukian became captivated by this new line of work, seeing it as an avenue filled with potential.
You can make donations in honor of Leo Chaloukian to the Television Academy Foundation and its initiatives.
Chaloukian’s daughter Kimme Chaloukian Black and son Dale, along with several other grandchildren, survive him.
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2024-07-24 22:19