Long-time Comedy Writer Larry Gelbart Dies

[Dennis Donovan]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/09/11/obit.larry.gelbart/index.html

CNN) -- Writer and producer Larry Gelbart, known for his work on the hit television series "M*A*S*H," died Friday in his Beverly Hills, California, home, his wife said.

Gelbart died of cancer, Pat Gelbart said. He was 81.

According to the Internet Movie Database, Gelbart directed 6 episodes of "M*A*S*H," the satirical comedy about Army doctors at a field hospital in the Korean War. The series ran from 1972 to 1983 and was based on a popular movie and book of the same name.

"M*A*S*H" was so popular it lasted much longer than the Korean War itself, and was seen as a commentary on American involvement in the Vietnam War. Gelbart also was involved in the short-lived sequel, "After MASH."

Gelbart also wrote for films, with his credits including the 1982 hit "Tootsie" and "Oh, God!" in 1977.

In more recent years, Gelbart was a writer of the 1993 TV movie
"Barbarians at the Gate," which won an Emmy and two Golden Globes.

[Swede]

1. Aww. He was one talented guy.

RIP

[liberalmuse]

2. RIP to the man who wrote the best show on television.

It was liberal, but that is because it was bluntly honest, morally and ethically good and all too human.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

14. Ditto.

[avaistheone1]

15. Yes indeed. The show was also smart and funny.

His passing is very sad. What a loss for us.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[joeybee12]

3. Brilliant writer...there were hundreds of awards he should have won

but didn't...RIP.

[CreekDog]

4. Tootsie was brilliant

one of the funniest movies I've ever seen.

also probably the most convoluted love triangle ever portrayed on the big screen.

[Hawkeye-X]

5. Thanks for M*A*S*H

and meeting the aformented character that became my chosen nickname...

Hawkeye-X

[mdmc]

7. yes

God Bless

[ThatsMyBarack]

16. I'm watching M*A*S*H right now....

I'll never tire of that show.

RIP, Larry Gelbart.

[Kadie]

24. One of my all time favorite shows.

I still love to watch it. Growing up, it was a must see for me.

[Libertas1776]

6. M.A.S.H., as well as Tootsie, and Oh, God

so many great shows and flicks. RIP Mr. Gelbart.

[blogslut]

8. A great loss

Rest in peace, sir.

[Ruby the Liberal]

9. I didn't know he co-wrote Barbarians at the Gate

Yeah, I am dating myself here, but casting Jim "Rockford" Garner in that role was a stroke of genius to bring the script alive.

[TheCentepedeShoes]

11. Wasn't it ever!

Garner was great
And welcome to DU:hi:

[Ruby the Liberal]

12. Thanks!

Happy to be here, but I would rather have my job back. :D:

Enjoying participating with you fine folks while I have the extra time on my hands. :hi:

[DarthDem]

10. RIP

Definitely an amazingly talented guy.

[Joe Fields]

13. god bless, larry....

[livetohike]

17. R.I.P. Mr. Gelbart and thanks for all the laughs

You kept me sane in the 70's.

[Davis_X_Machina]

18. Co-wrote the book for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" too.

[Vidar]

19. Vaya con Dios, Larry & thanks for all the laughs & deeper themes.

[aquart]

20. Barbarians at the Gate was wicked. RIP, Larry.

[scarletwoman]

21. R.I.P. Larry. You understood that the best humor is rooted in compassion for the human condition.

Another bright spirit flown away. :cry:

sw

[freeplessinseattle]

22. whoa, I happen to be wearing my M*A*S*H shirt right now

which is not that uncommon an occurrence, loved that show, but still kind of trippy.

He was a special man, may he be at peace.

[Va Lefty]

23. Very sad. He gave us much to laugh/think about

RIP

[Norrin Radd]

25. Peace and condolences. Thanks for teaching me about the funny.

And doing so with such heart and love for peace.

[thelordofhell]

26. I just don't know why they're shooting at us.

All we want to do is bring them democracy and white bread. Transplant the American dream: freedom, achievement, hyperacidity, affluence, flatulence, technology, tension...the inalienable right to an early coronary sitting at your desk while plotting to stab your boss in the back. Now THAT'S entertainment!

----Hawkeye, as written by Larry Gelbart R.I.P.