Charlie Hauck, a writer-producer who penned scripts for some of TV’s most iconic sitcoms – Maude, Frasier, Home Improvement, One Day At A Time and, under a pseudonym as a favor to Larry Gelbert, one episode of M*A*S*H – died at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, Nov. 14, of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 79.
His death was confirmed by his daughter Flannery Cogan Hauck.
“Nobody made me laugh harder, or more often, than Charlie Hauck,” said Maude creator Norman Lear. “He defined ‘funny’ and was a glorious man and friend.”
Hauck, whose career spanned more than 35 years, created the 1986 Valerie Harper comedy Valerie and co-created The Associates, the 1979 ABC sitcom that introduced a young Canadian actor named Martin Short to U.S. audiences.
Hauck’s knack for recognizing young comic talent also contributed heavily to another longstanding Hollywood career: Remembering a friend from his pre-Los Angeles days at Pittsburgh’s Wqed-tv,...
His death was confirmed by his daughter Flannery Cogan Hauck.
“Nobody made me laugh harder, or more often, than Charlie Hauck,” said Maude creator Norman Lear. “He defined ‘funny’ and was a glorious man and friend.”
Hauck, whose career spanned more than 35 years, created the 1986 Valerie Harper comedy Valerie and co-created The Associates, the 1979 ABC sitcom that introduced a young Canadian actor named Martin Short to U.S. audiences.
Hauck’s knack for recognizing young comic talent also contributed heavily to another longstanding Hollywood career: Remembering a friend from his pre-Los Angeles days at Pittsburgh’s Wqed-tv,...
- 11/20/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
TV veteran and three-time Emmy nominee Conchata Ferrell, has died.
She was 77.
Per Deadline, the actress passed away on Monday at California's Sherman Oaks Hospital.
Ferrell was hospitalized earlier this year, spending a month in intensive care.
She suffered a heart attack while in the hospital and was left unable to speak or communicate.
The hospitalization in May was in relation to a kidney infection she suffered last December.
Conchata is best known for her role as Berta on Two and a Half Men as housekeeper Berta.
The role was recurring at first, but she was promoted to series regular for Season 2 and remained with the series in a regular role until its conclusion.
Ferrell scored two nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in the CBS series.
She also appeared on TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Friends, Who's the Boss, and Night Court.
L.A.'s Law earned...
She was 77.
Per Deadline, the actress passed away on Monday at California's Sherman Oaks Hospital.
Ferrell was hospitalized earlier this year, spending a month in intensive care.
She suffered a heart attack while in the hospital and was left unable to speak or communicate.
The hospitalization in May was in relation to a kidney infection she suffered last December.
Conchata is best known for her role as Berta on Two and a Half Men as housekeeper Berta.
The role was recurring at first, but she was promoted to series regular for Season 2 and remained with the series in a regular role until its conclusion.
Ferrell scored two nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in the CBS series.
She also appeared on TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Friends, Who's the Boss, and Night Court.
L.A.'s Law earned...
- 10/13/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Conchata Ferrell, best known for her role as Berta the housekeeper on “Two and a Half Men,” died on Tuesday in Sherman Oaks, a rep for Warner Bros. Television confirmed to Variety. She was 77.
“Two and a Half Men” creator and executive producer Chuck Lorre described Ferrell as “one of the greats.”
“We called her Chatty. And we all loved her,” Lorre said in a statement. “Twelve years of highs and lows, and lots and lots of laughter. Through it all she was a rock. One of the greats. I was privileged to call her a friend.”
“We are saddened by the loss of Conchata Ferrell and are grateful for the years she brought us laughs as Berta which will live on forever,” Warner Bros. TV, the studio behind “Two and a Half Men,” tweeted.
We are saddened by the loss of Conchata Ferrell and are grateful for the years...
“Two and a Half Men” creator and executive producer Chuck Lorre described Ferrell as “one of the greats.”
“We called her Chatty. And we all loved her,” Lorre said in a statement. “Twelve years of highs and lows, and lots and lots of laughter. Through it all she was a rock. One of the greats. I was privileged to call her a friend.”
“We are saddened by the loss of Conchata Ferrell and are grateful for the years she brought us laughs as Berta which will live on forever,” Warner Bros. TV, the studio behind “Two and a Half Men,” tweeted.
We are saddened by the loss of Conchata Ferrell and are grateful for the years...
- 10/13/2020
- by Janet W. Lee
- Variety Film + TV
TV veteran and three-time Emmy nominee Conchata Ferrell, best known for playing housekeeper Berta on the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men, has died at the age of 77.
Per our sister site Deadline, Ferrell passed away on Monday at California’s Sherman Oaks Hospital, surrounded by family.
More from TVLineAshton Kutcher Explains Why It Was Time to End The Ranch, Takes a Swipe at Two and a Half MenChuck Lorre to Trump: 'You Couldn't Even Defeat Two and a Half Men'a-List TV Titans' Best & Worst: Every Chuck Lorre Series Ranked
Ferrell was hospitalized in May and spent a month in intensive care,...
Per our sister site Deadline, Ferrell passed away on Monday at California’s Sherman Oaks Hospital, surrounded by family.
More from TVLineAshton Kutcher Explains Why It Was Time to End The Ranch, Takes a Swipe at Two and a Half MenChuck Lorre to Trump: 'You Couldn't Even Defeat Two and a Half Men'a-List TV Titans' Best & Worst: Every Chuck Lorre Series Ranked
Ferrell was hospitalized in May and spent a month in intensive care,...
- 10/13/2020
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Charlotte Rae, who had a six decade career as an actress and was best known as the wise housemother on “The Facts of Life,” died Sunday in Los Angeles. She was 92.
The Tony and Emmy nominated actress appeared on the popular 1980s sitcom “The Facts of Life” for nearly 10 years, sharing her personal struggles with the writers for the show to keep things realistic.
In the early 1960s, she created the role of Sylvia Schnauzer on TV series “Car 54 Where Are You?” She also worked extensively on Broadway, in Shakespeare in the Park and in summer stock.
Rae’s other television work included a year on “Sesame Street,” and a recurring role on “Hot L Baltimore,” then a season on “Diff’rent Strokes,” where her character Mrs. Garrett was born before spinning off on “The Facts of Life,” for which she earned an Emmy nomination.
Todd Bridges, who played Willis...
The Tony and Emmy nominated actress appeared on the popular 1980s sitcom “The Facts of Life” for nearly 10 years, sharing her personal struggles with the writers for the show to keep things realistic.
In the early 1960s, she created the role of Sylvia Schnauzer on TV series “Car 54 Where Are You?” She also worked extensively on Broadway, in Shakespeare in the Park and in summer stock.
Rae’s other television work included a year on “Sesame Street,” and a recurring role on “Hot L Baltimore,” then a season on “Diff’rent Strokes,” where her character Mrs. Garrett was born before spinning off on “The Facts of Life,” for which she earned an Emmy nomination.
Todd Bridges, who played Willis...
- 8/6/2018
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Rest in peace, Charlotte Rae. The beloved Facts of Life and Diff’Rent Strokes star sadly died at age 92 in her La home on Sunday, Aug. 5, her rep confirmed to Entertainment Weekly. Charlotte had previously revealed that she had been diagnosed with bone cancer in April 2017. "Last Monday, I found out I have bone cancer. About seven years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer — which is a miracle that they found it because usually, it’s too late. My mother, sister, and my uncle died of pancreatic cancer," the actress told People at the time. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) "After six months of chemotherapy, I was cancer-free. I lost my hair, but I had beautiful wigs. Nobody ever knew. So now, at the age of 91, I have to make up my mind. I’m not in any pain right now. I’m feeling so terrific and so glad to be above ground.
- 8/6/2018
- by Julia Birkinbine
- Closer Weekly
Charlotte Rae, best known for her role as Mrs. Garrett on both Diff’rent Strokes and its spinoff The Facts of Life, has died at the age of 92. Rae was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer seven years ago, and in April 2017, she revealed that she had bone cancer.
Rae’s first major TV role came when she was cast in the recurring role of Sylvia Schnauser on Car 54, Where Are You? back in 1962. She later appeared in episodes of All in the Family, Barney Miller, Good Times, The Partridge Family, The Defenders, Sesame Street and Love, American Style. She also had...
Rae’s first major TV role came when she was cast in the recurring role of Sylvia Schnauser on Car 54, Where Are You? back in 1962. She later appeared in episodes of All in the Family, Barney Miller, Good Times, The Partridge Family, The Defenders, Sesame Street and Love, American Style. She also had...
- 8/6/2018
- TVLine.com
Charlotte Rae, best known as the lovable house mother Mrs. Edna Garrett on the ’80s sitcom “The Facts of Life,” has died following a battle with cancer. She was 92.
Last April, Rae announced she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer seven years earlier, saying in a statement at the time it was “a miracle that they found it because usually, it’s too late. My mother, sister, and my uncle died of pancreatic cancer.”
After six months of chemotherapy, she said she was cancer-free. But in 2017, doctors found cancer in her bones.
Also Read: 'Facts of Life' Star Charlotte Rae Diagnosed With Bone Cancer
“I lost my hair, but I had beautiful wigs. Nobody ever knew. So now, at the age of 91, I have to make up my mind,” she wrote. “I’m not in any pain right now. I’m feeling so terrific and so glad to be above ground.
Last April, Rae announced she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer seven years earlier, saying in a statement at the time it was “a miracle that they found it because usually, it’s too late. My mother, sister, and my uncle died of pancreatic cancer.”
After six months of chemotherapy, she said she was cancer-free. But in 2017, doctors found cancer in her bones.
Also Read: 'Facts of Life' Star Charlotte Rae Diagnosed With Bone Cancer
“I lost my hair, but I had beautiful wigs. Nobody ever knew. So now, at the age of 91, I have to make up my mind,” she wrote. “I’m not in any pain right now. I’m feeling so terrific and so glad to be above ground.
- 8/6/2018
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
A moment of silence seems inappropriate for the great film composer Marvin Hamlisch, who passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 68. The three-time Oscar winner contributed so many memorable scores to such beloved Hollywood features as Ice Castles, The Sting, The Way We Were and A Chorus Line that it seems more appropriate to play one of his soundtracks in honor of his dominant spirit. Very few details were made available regarding Hamlisch.s death, which was reported on People.com early Tuesday morning. The site confirms that the composer suffered .a brief illness. but didn.t confirm the cause of Hamlisch.s death. So instead, let.s celebrate his life. Known by many as .the people.s composer,. Hamlisch wrote more than 40 film scores and contributed theme songs for countless television programs, including Beacon Hill and Hot L Baltimore. Hamlisch penned the score for the 1977 Bond thriller...
- 8/7/2012
- cinemablend.com
Chicago – The character actor has always been a fixture in Hollywood culture, and there are few as unique as James Cromwell. He’s had many memorable roles in films like “Babe,” “L.A. Confidential” and within the “Star Trek” legacy. Currently, he portrays Clifton in the Oscar-nominated “The Artist.”
Cromwell was born of Hollywood royalty. His father was director John Cromwell (”Of Human Bondage,” “Since You Went Away”) and his mother was notable 1930s film actress Kay Johnson. He grew up in New York City, and studied acting at the Carnegie Mellon school in Pittsburgh. After years of stage work, he broke into TV in the mid-1970s, with a noteworthy role in “All in the Family,” as the talked-about-yet-never-seen character of Stretch Cunningham (see story below). This started a series of supporting parts in films and TV throughout the next couple of decades.
James Cromwell as Clifton in ‘The Artist...
Cromwell was born of Hollywood royalty. His father was director John Cromwell (”Of Human Bondage,” “Since You Went Away”) and his mother was notable 1930s film actress Kay Johnson. He grew up in New York City, and studied acting at the Carnegie Mellon school in Pittsburgh. After years of stage work, he broke into TV in the mid-1970s, with a noteworthy role in “All in the Family,” as the talked-about-yet-never-seen character of Stretch Cunningham (see story below). This started a series of supporting parts in films and TV throughout the next couple of decades.
James Cromwell as Clifton in ‘The Artist...
- 1/30/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
If only Lanford Wilson's autobiographical "Lemon Sky" were completely of its time, in 1950s suburbia.
If only young gay men didn't have to hide who they are and be shunned by their parents, then this could be seen as a snapshot of an uglier time.
Yet this play about coming of age and being gay in San Diego in the 1950s remains relevant. Wilson, who died this year, was a Pulitzer winner, one of the founders of the off-off-Broadway scene and wrote many plays including "The Hot L Baltimore," "5th of July" and "Balm in Gilead." The Keen Company mounts the revival of "Lemon Sky" at the Clurman Theatre at Theatre Row, and when Wilson's work is staged, there's reason to pay attention.
"Lemon Sky" is so raw in parts that it's painful to watch. Yet it's so well acted that it's riveting. Except when Alan breaks to talk to the audience,...
If only young gay men didn't have to hide who they are and be shunned by their parents, then this could be seen as a snapshot of an uglier time.
Yet this play about coming of age and being gay in San Diego in the 1950s remains relevant. Wilson, who died this year, was a Pulitzer winner, one of the founders of the off-off-Broadway scene and wrote many plays including "The Hot L Baltimore," "5th of July" and "Balm in Gilead." The Keen Company mounts the revival of "Lemon Sky" at the Clurman Theatre at Theatre Row, and when Wilson's work is staged, there's reason to pay attention.
"Lemon Sky" is so raw in parts that it's painful to watch. Yet it's so well acted that it's riveting. Except when Alan breaks to talk to the audience,...
- 9/30/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Photo By Dan Herrick / Dmi / Rex Features/Courtesy Everett Collection From left, Edward Norton, Lanford Wilson and Salma Hayek in New York City.
Lanford Wilson dies; Jay-z and Sade team up; George Lopez apologizes…
Lanford Wilson Dies: Playwright Lanford Wilson has passed away from complications of pneumonia. The 73 year-old Pulitzer prize-winner was known for his off-off-Broadway work and for co-founding Circle Repertory Company. To pay tribute to Wilson, the lights will dim at Off-Broadway theaters on Friday for one minute...
Lanford Wilson dies; Jay-z and Sade team up; George Lopez apologizes…
Lanford Wilson Dies: Playwright Lanford Wilson has passed away from complications of pneumonia. The 73 year-old Pulitzer prize-winner was known for his off-off-Broadway work and for co-founding Circle Repertory Company. To pay tribute to Wilson, the lights will dim at Off-Broadway theaters on Friday for one minute...
- 3/25/2011
- by Lyneka Little
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Playwright Lanford Wilson has died at the age of 73.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist passed away on Wednesday in a care facility in Wayne, New Jersey, according to the Associated Press.
Wilson, best known for his plays Burn This and Fifth of July, was one of the founders of the Off-Off-Broadway movement, and helped start New York's Circle Repertory Theater.
He received the Pulitzer Prize in 1980 for Talley's Folly and three of his plays were nominated for Tony Awards.
The writer died just one day before his play The Hot L Baltimore was due to be previewed at The Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
The Steppenwolf Theatre co-founder Terry Kinney says, "Lanford was a singular voice in the American theatre - an important artist, a gentle soul and a good friend. We will miss him sorely."...
The Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist passed away on Wednesday in a care facility in Wayne, New Jersey, according to the Associated Press.
Wilson, best known for his plays Burn This and Fifth of July, was one of the founders of the Off-Off-Broadway movement, and helped start New York's Circle Repertory Theater.
He received the Pulitzer Prize in 1980 for Talley's Folly and three of his plays were nominated for Tony Awards.
The writer died just one day before his play The Hot L Baltimore was due to be previewed at The Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
The Steppenwolf Theatre co-founder Terry Kinney says, "Lanford was a singular voice in the American theatre - an important artist, a gentle soul and a good friend. We will miss him sorely."...
- 3/25/2011
- WENN
You want to talk about media invisibility? Try finding a gay man on television who is over 50 – much less a couple of older gay men being in any way sexual or romantic.
You might have better luck looking for a bisexual unicorn.
One of the very few TV exceptions has been Brothers & Sisters, which features the character of Saul, played by veteran actor Ron Rifkin, who is 71. While the ABC show deserves credit for simply including the character at all, Saul’s been far-and-away the program’s least developed “brother” or “sister,” despite the surprising revelation in last spring’s finale that he is HIV-positive.
Storylines involving Saul’s previous love interests, played by Dave Foley, John Glover, and Stephen Collins, were mostly of the blink-and-you-missed-it variety. Last fall, Rifkin himself expressed frustration with the characters’ lack of development, saying, “The character has become sort of peripheral over the last couple of years,...
You might have better luck looking for a bisexual unicorn.
One of the very few TV exceptions has been Brothers & Sisters, which features the character of Saul, played by veteran actor Ron Rifkin, who is 71. While the ABC show deserves credit for simply including the character at all, Saul’s been far-and-away the program’s least developed “brother” or “sister,” despite the surprising revelation in last spring’s finale that he is HIV-positive.
Storylines involving Saul’s previous love interests, played by Dave Foley, John Glover, and Stephen Collins, were mostly of the blink-and-you-missed-it variety. Last fall, Rifkin himself expressed frustration with the characters’ lack of development, saying, “The character has become sort of peripheral over the last couple of years,...
- 2/15/2011
- by Brent Hartinger
- The Backlot
"Listening" is the key to good acting, according to Helen Stenborg. Co-starring Off-Broadway at the DR2 Theatre in Morris Panych's "Vigil" gives her the chance to exercise that talent. This two-hander centers on the evolving relationship between a misanthropic young man (Malcolm Gets) and his dying, estranged aunt Grace (Stenborg), who barely speaks.While the 84-year-old Minneapolis native has never played a silent character before, her preparation for this part is basically the same as for any other. There is one major difference: She will not share certain elements of Grace's inner life with Gets or the director, Stephen Dimenna. "Sometimes they ask me, 'What are you thinking?' That's my secret. But it's interesting: If I change my thoughts, I'll get a different reaction from Malcolm." She adds she is able to offer variety in her silent responses, by registering his change of mood.At this point in her six-decade career,...
- 11/4/2009
- backstage.com
Have a question about gay male entertainment? Ask the Monkey! (Please include your city and state and/or country.)
Q: Groeten (i.e. “Greetings!”): Ever since I started to watch The Oc, I was instantly smitten by the hotness that is Benjamin McKenzie. What I was wondering is: what is his stance towards the Glbt community and gay people/fans in general? -- Kevin, Belgium P.S: If you happen to have a super-special Flying Monkey magic spell to have him turn gay and fall madly in love with me, I wouldn't mind!
Ben McKenzie
Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage
A: In fact, Benjamin McKenzie already has a gay partner … in his role as a cop on the new NBC show Southland where his cop-partner is a very un-stereotypical gay man.
What does he think of gay folks in real life? Well, the Flying Monkey was a little reluctant to contact Benjamin and ask,...
Q: Groeten (i.e. “Greetings!”): Ever since I started to watch The Oc, I was instantly smitten by the hotness that is Benjamin McKenzie. What I was wondering is: what is his stance towards the Glbt community and gay people/fans in general? -- Kevin, Belgium P.S: If you happen to have a super-special Flying Monkey magic spell to have him turn gay and fall madly in love with me, I wouldn't mind!
Ben McKenzie
Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage
A: In fact, Benjamin McKenzie already has a gay partner … in his role as a cop on the new NBC show Southland where his cop-partner is a very un-stereotypical gay man.
What does he think of gay folks in real life? Well, the Flying Monkey was a little reluctant to contact Benjamin and ask,...
- 4/22/2009
- by dennis
- The Backlot
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