David Pressman began as an acting teacher at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, directed live television in the early days of the medium but was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. After a return to teaching, he directed Broadway productions and ultimately returned to TV to helm "One Life to Live" for decades. Pressman taught at the Playhouse for more than 12 years, during which time he also acted in several Broadway productions.

Broadway, relatively untouched by McCarthy paranoia, called on Pressman as an actor and director. His Broadway credits include, Brooklyn, U.S.A., The Eve of St. Mark, Dream Girl, The Disenchanted and Roman Candle.

Pressman later returned to directing television, including episodes of "The Defenders" and "The Nurses." He directed nine episodes of "NYPD," including a famous 1968 episode in which then-unknowns Al Pacino and Jill Clayburgh appeared.

When Pressman was in his 60's he was offered the opportunity to direct the daytime soap "One Life to Live," which he went on to helm for the next 25 years, until the age of 85, receiving three Daytime Emmy Awards during his tenure.

After retiring from that post, he returned to acting playing a role on "One Life to Live" into his late 80s.

Source: Variety obituary