M*A*S*H* Creator Dies

The man responsible for bringing M*A*S*H* to our televisions has died. Larry Gelbart took the concept behind the 1970 movie and brought it to the small screen starting in 1972. The series lasted for 11 years.

Gelbart, who was born in Chicago, started writing comedy for Danny Thomas at the age of 16. Eventually, he also wrote for Sid Caesar, Bob HopeBob Hope, and Jack PaarJack Paar. Gelbart was part of a Caesar writing team that included Neil SimonNeil Simon, Carl ReinerCarl Reiner, and Mel BrooksMel Brooks.

Gelbart actively wrote and directed episodes of M*A*S*H* during the program's first four years and won Emmy in the process. Then he left to pursue other endeavors, which included co-writing the screenplay for the movie "Tootsie," starring Dustin HoffmanDustin Hoffman in 1982.

Gelbart also wrote for Broadway. His long-running comedic farce "Something Funny Happened On the Way to Forum," featuring the song "Comedy Tonight" made it to the stage in 1962 and played 964 performances.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years.