‘M*A*S*H’ writer, producer Larry Gelbart dies

Full Story at CNN.com

Gelbart died of cancer, Pat Gelbart said. The family will hold a private memorial service.

Throughout his career, Gelbart developed a portfolio of more than 40 works spanning radio, television, theater and film. His fascination with radio as a child inspired him and influenced his evolving career.

“I never had any aspirations of [a] literary career, but writing for radio seemed to be a natural extension of being such a radio fan,” Gelbart told CNN in 1999. “So when I got my chance, that’s what I did.”

Barely out of high school, Gelbart began as a comedy writer for radio in the 1940s. He wrote for various programs, including the Fanny Brice show and “Duffy’s Tavern.” While in the Army, he wrote for Armed Forces Radio. Later, he joined the staff of Bob Hope’s show and jump-started his own television career as a TV writer for the star.

Gelbart went on to write skits for the live comedy “Your Show of Shows” in 1953, winning two Emmys for his work.