Thursday, June 9, 2011

Leonard Stern (1923-2011)

Word came over the newswires earlier this morning of the passing of writer-producer Leonard Stern at the age of 87.

Fans of classic television will recognize the name as the producer of the seminal spy satire, Get Smart (1965-71), and the light crime drama, McMillian & Wife, in the 70's. Stern also was a writer for The Tonight Show during Steve Allen's run as host, and also Allen's self-titled prime time show, The Honeymooners, and worked on the screenplay to the 50's remake of "The Jazz Singer", starring Danny Thomas.

It might surprise some of you to know that Stern also co-created the popular word game, Mad Libs, and his publishing company holds the rights to the Mr. Men characters.

Stern's last television work was the revived Get Smart, under the title, Get Smart Again!, for Fox in the early 90's.

Rest in peace, Leonard.

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