Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Hal Kanter dies aged 92
Hal Kanter, a comedy writer, director and producer, passed away at age 92 in Encino Hospital due to complications brought by pneumonia. He received accolades from the Emmy Awards, worked with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley and Diahann Carroll.
Carl Reiner, one of Kanter's long time pals, remembered how Kanter created the wittiest comedy shows in the history of television.
"He was considered one of the wits of the industry, there is no doubt about that. Anytime that he was asked to write something for any show, he never fails to make the audience laugh," he shares.
"He was a funny elder statesman and there is nothing more you can ask for by having a very witty elder statesman," he continues. Kanter was one of the most beloved master of ceremonies for the Directors Guild of America awards dinner for several years.
Following his debut as a comedy writer for radio shows, Kanter reached for greater heights by finding a career in television. In 1949, he was appointed as the head writer for 'The Ed Wynn Show'.
He carried on by producing and writing for the 'The George Gobel Show', another live comedy variety show. It was this show that gave Kanter the Emmy Award in 1955 for best written comedy script.
Kanter made his mark in the 1960s when he produced and wrote 'Julia', the famous sitcom from NBC aired from 1968 to 1971. The show starred Carroll who played Julia Baker, a nurse who married early but widowed quite early as well, with a young son named Corey. Marc Copage played the son of Julia.
In an interview back in 1969, Kanter expressed his delight with how 'Julia' opened more opportunities for him.
"Bill Cosby in 'I Spy' first opened it in 1965 but 'Julia' opened more doors and opened them wider," the award winning writer said.
Kanter is also famous for his other television series such as 'Valentine's Day', 'The Jimmy Stewart Show', 'Chico and the Man' and 'All in the Family'. He also worked in movies such as in 'Road to Bali', 'Bachelor in Paradise', 'Money from Home', 'Artists and Models', 'Pocket Full of Miracles' and 'Move Over, Darling.'