By Andrew Wallenstein

Scott Brazil, an Emmy-winning TV director and producer whose credits ranged from "Hill Street Blues" to "The Shield," died Monday night. He was 50.

Brazil died at Sherman Oaks Hospital from respiratory failure stemming from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Lyme disease. But even as his condition worsened, the prolific and hard-working director managed his duties with the help of a motorized wheelchair as an executive producer and showrunner on FX's "Shield."

"He came into the office as late as (last) Thursday and was talking to the writers, doing casting and prepping our next episode," said Shawn Ryan, creator and executive producer of "Shield." "We knew his body was letting him down, but his mind never deteriorated."

Brazil collected a pair of Emmys for outstanding drama series in the early 1980s as part of the team of producers responsible for NBC's "Blues." He directed episodes of many primetime series including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "JAG," "CSI: Miami" and "Nip/Tuck."

Brazil also had been executive producer and showrunner on all five seasons of "Shield," as well as its primary director. He helmed 11 of the 65 episodes produced of the series, including several season openers and finales.

Shooting on the set of "Shield" continued on schedule Tuesday in tribute to Brazil. "Everyone, I think, felt more comfortable staying together and working rather than sitting at home trying to deal with this," said Ryan, who expects to suspend production Friday for a memorial service.

Brazil also had been active on the development front recently, teaming with James DeMonaco ("The Negotiator") on a series being developed at Spike TV.

Brazil was a graduate of USC, where he earned a bachelor of science degree from the Annenberg School of Journalism. He was a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Brazil is survived by his wife, Marie; daughter Lindsay; son Mark; his parents, David and Barbara Brazil; and his brother, Griff Brazil.