Obit: Larry Gelbart -satirist-MASH creator etc

Subject: Obit: Larry Gelbart -satirist-MASH creator etc
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 12:22 AM

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

Subject: RE: Obit: Larry Gelbart -satirist-MASH creator etc
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 05:51 AM

Goodbaye old friend, your writing provided me with hours of tears and laughter.
As a devotee of M*A*S*H, and one who has seen all the episodes many times, let me say. I don't know of any other writer who's work can bear so much repetition, and still be totally emjoyable.
Rest in peace

John

Subject: RE: Obit: Larry Gelbart -satirist-MASH creator etc
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 05:36 AM

refresh. Can't believe nobody else posted

Subject: RE: Obit: Larry Gelbart -satirist-MASH creator etc
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 02:02 PM

I know. I think Spaw would if he had the energy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Larry Gelbart -satirist-MASH creator etc
From: Ref
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 08:27 PM

He was an incredibly talented writer who was content to let others beat the drum for themselves. He was known as a true gentleman. Beyond his many writing accomplishments, he gave freely of himself as a mentor to following generations. See Ken Levine's "By Ken Levine" blog, or search "Larry Gelbart" on Youtube for interview films.

It's been a bad, bad week.

Subject: RE: Obit: Larry Gelbart -satirist-MASH creator etc
From: Mark Ross
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 11:21 AM

"The legs aren't the first thing to go, the first thing to go is remembering the word for legs." Larry Gelbart