The classic series "M*A*S*H," the hit movie comedy "Tootsie" and the Tony-winning play "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" are part of the enduring legacy that writer Larry Gelbart left behind when he died Sept. 11 at age 81. But there also are the memories of those he inspired and made laugh.
"He was the single funniest human being I've ever known as far as being able to make a quip, a repost and make you laugh without using a straight line," said Carl Reiner, the writer, producer, director and humorist who worked with Gelbart dating back to "Your Show of Shows" in the 1950s. "One word would be all he needed to take off on to give you a laugh."
Reiner said Gelbart rivaled Jonathan Swift, the 18th century author of "Gulliver's Travels," as a satirist. He called many of his works, including the 1992 TV movie "Mastergate,...
"He was the single funniest human being I've ever known as far as being able to make a quip, a repost and make you laugh without using a straight line," said Carl Reiner, the writer, producer, director and humorist who worked with Gelbart dating back to "Your Show of Shows" in the 1950s. "One word would be all he needed to take off on to give you a laugh."
Reiner said Gelbart rivaled Jonathan Swift, the 18th century author of "Gulliver's Travels," as a satirist. He called many of his works, including the 1992 TV movie "Mastergate,...
- 9/17/2009
- by By Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Larry Gelbart, who created the classic TV adaptation of Robert Altman's "M*A*S*H" and whose talented comedy writing stretched from the days of radio to the big screen and cutting-edge cable shows, died of cancer at his Beverly Hills home on Friday. He was 81.
Gelbart, the principal writer on "M*A*S*H" during the first four years of the hit CBS series, was responsible for 97 episodes of the show, one of TV's most literate comedies. He also directed some early episodes.
Beginning as a gag writer in days of radio and honing his comic craft for such talents as Jack Carson and Bob Hope, Gelbart was a versatile stylist who succeeded in a variety of mediums.
Gelbart won an Emmy with co-producer Gene Reynolds for "M*A*S*H" as well as three WGA Awards for the episodes he wrote. He picked up two Tonys for...
Gelbart, the principal writer on "M*A*S*H" during the first four years of the hit CBS series, was responsible for 97 episodes of the show, one of TV's most literate comedies. He also directed some early episodes.
Beginning as a gag writer in days of radio and honing his comic craft for such talents as Jack Carson and Bob Hope, Gelbart was a versatile stylist who succeeded in a variety of mediums.
Gelbart won an Emmy with co-producer Gene Reynolds for "M*A*S*H" as well as three WGA Awards for the episodes he wrote. He picked up two Tonys for...
- 9/11/2009
- by By Duane Byrge
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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