Veteran TV and film comedy writer Ben Starr passed away at the age of 92.
According to Deadline, Starr began his career in radio writing for Al Jolson, George Burns, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. He then went on to write for television for nearly 50 years. His most recent credit was 2001’s The Facts Of Life TV Reunion.
Starr wrote and co-created The Facts Of Life, which ran from 1979 until 1988. He also wrote and/or produced other popular TV series such as Mr. Ed (1961-1963), The Andy Griffith Show (1966), The Brady Bunch (1971-1973), Maude (1974), Chico And The Man (1977), All In The Family (1975-1978), Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1982) and Silver Spoons (1982-1987). His film credits include Oliver Twist (1974), Treasure Island (1973), Texas Across The River (1966) and Our Man Flint (1966).
Donna Kanter features Starr in her documentary about comedians, Lunch.