Date of Birth: February 25, 1928
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: September 11, 2009
Biography
Larry Simon Gelbart was an American television writer, playwright, screenwriter, and author, best known for his work on the television series “M*A*S*H.” Born in Chicago, Illinois, Gelbart began his career in show business at an early age, writing scripts for radio shows. He later moved to television, where he created and wrote for numerous successful shows and movies. Gelbart’s career took off when he joined the writing team for “The Danny Thomas Show” and later “Caesar’s Hour.” His big break came when he adapted Richard Hooker’s novel “MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors” into the iconic TV series “M*A*S*H,” which aired from 1972 to 1983. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Gelbart’s sharp, witty writing was widely praised. In addition to his television work, Gelbart wrote several successful plays, including “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and screenplays such as “Tootsie” and “Oh, God!” His work earned him numerous awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, and a Tony Award. Gelbart was also known for his advocacy work and his efforts to support writers’ rights and freedom of speech. He passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of influential work in television, theater, and film.
5 Interesting Facts about Larry Gelbart
1. Larry Gelbart was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1986.
2. He co-wrote the screenplay for the hit comedy film “Tootsie,” which was later nominated for an Academy Award.
3. Gelbart was a prolific writer, with credits spanning radio, television, film, and theater.
4. He received the Writers Guild of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
5. Gelbart served in the U.S. Army, where he wrote for Armed Forces Radio during World War II.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Larry Gelbart
1. “I write because I can’t do anything else.”
2. “If someone who writes a TV show doesn’t think it’s important, why should anyone watching?”
3. “A hospital bed is a parked taxi with the meter running.”
4. “Writing is like a contact sport, like football. You can get hurt, but you enjoy it.”
5. “Laughter is the closest distance between two people.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Larry Gelbart’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Larry Gelbart had two children, Adam Gelbart and Becky Gelbart.
Relevant Links
1. [Larry Gelbart – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0312407/
2. [Larry Gelbart – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Gelbart
