Cecil Smith (writer)
Cecil Smith (May 22, 1917 – July 11, 2009) was an American journalist, critic, screenwriter,
Early life, education, and career
Cecil Smith was born in
After the war, Smith worked as screenwriter in television; penning more than 50 scripts for American television.[1] He concurrently joined the staff of the Los Angeles Times in 1947 as a features writer and reporter. In 1958 he began writing his own television criticism column for that newspaper and was made entertainment editor. He continued in that role until 1964 when he was made drama critic for the Los Angeles Times. He remained in that role for the next five years, until he was appointed the paper's television critic and a columnist for The Times Syndicate in 1969; roles he continued in until his retirement in 1982.[1]
For PBS Smith hosted two seasons of the program Cecil Smith on Drama (1965–1966).[1]
Personal life and death
Cecil's first marriage ended in divorce. He married his second wife Cleo Mandicos in the late 1950s.[1] Cleo was Lucille Ball's first cousin and Lucille introduced the pair to each other in Las Vegas. After their marriage, they had two children together; a daughter, Tina, and a son, Marcus. Cleo worked as a producer and executive on several of Lucille Ball's radio and television programs. Cecil appeared as himself in the 1970 television episode "Lucy Meets The Burtons" in the series Here's Lucy, and his son Marcus later appeared in the 1972 episode "Lucy and Her Prince Charming" as the ring bearer in Lucy's wedding.[3]
Cecil Smith died in San Luis Obispo, California on July 11, 2009.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Dennis Mclellan (July 14, 2009). "Cecil Smith dies at 92; Times TV critic advocated literate, high-quality shows". Los Angeles Times.
- ISBN 9781476629032.
- ISBN 9781557839404.
External links
- Cecil Smith at IMDb