Not only was he a major writer/influence on MASH, he also co-wrote Tootsie and A Funnny Thing Happened on the Way to Forum PLUS wrote comedy for many other folks. He passed away at 81. Read what some of his colleagues say from the The L.A. Times:

"Larry's genius for writing changed my life because I got to speak his lines -- lines that were so good they'll be with us for a long, long time; but his other genius -- his immense talent for being good company -- is a light that's gone out and we're all sitting here in the dark." Alan Alda

Said Carl Reiner, who had also known Gelbart since the "Caesar's Hour" days when Reiner was a cast member: "The main thing about Larry, he was a comedy prodigy who developed into a national treasure. The man was one of the most gifted satirists who ever lived."

There's a lot more in the link above. He was really incredibly talented and started out writing comedy at 16, after school for Danny Thomas!

I believe his talent had a strong influence on our times, esp. through the medium of MASH, etc. Thanks, Mr. Gelbart, RIP.

Be sure to read the end of the article about his response to a hoax last year which said he was already dead. He was a class act.

kat