Veteran television director, writer and producer Ralph W. Hemecker has died aged 65, according to an obituary notice. Known for directing episodes of major US series including “Blue Bloods”, “Once Upon a Time”, “The X-Files” and “The Flash”, he was widely regarded by colleagues as an influential and committed creative figure.

Hemecker died on 10 July at his home in Glendale, California. He directed 31 episodes of “Blue Bloods” and 28 of “Once Upon a Time”, and was showrunner, executive producer and writer on “Witchblade” for two seasons between 2001 and 2002; “Once Upon a Time” colleagues Lana Parrilla, Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis paid tribute to his artistry and generosity.