Larry Gelbart: 1928-2009

Larry Gelbart, the legendary satirist who worked in film and television for more than 60 years, died at his home in Beverly Hills on Friday.

Gelbart’s career began with a gig in radio at 16 during World War II and stretched doggedly decade after decade. His staggering resume saw a high point when he worked as a guiding creative force on the first four seasons of MASH, the famed series that remains one of the most-watched programs in history. He was a force on Broadway and in Hollywood; his most famous screenplay was for Tootsie, the megahit comedy.

As a testament to Gelbart’s influence, both Mel Brooks and Woody Allen released devotional statements after he died this weekend. He was born in Chicago but got into the entertainment business after a move to Los Angeles and the vocal support of his father, a barber, to a high-profile industry client. 

Despite a cancer diagnosis in June, his wife told reporters he continued to write until three weeks ago.