Mel Stuart (1928-2012) was an American director and producer, known for his prolific career spanning film and television, with a particular focus on the documentary genre. His most internationally famous film is the family classic *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory* (1971), a work that has captured the imagination of generations. However, much of his work was dedicated to documentaries, a field in which he received significant recognition. He directed notable works such as *Four Days in November* (1964), about the assassination of John F. Kennedy, which earned him an Academy Award nomination, and the concert film *Wattstax* (1973). Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including an Emmy for the political documentary series *The Making of the President*. His versatility made him a significant figure in the landscape of 20th-century American audiovisual production.