James Komack
James Komack | |
---|---|
Born | New York City, U.S. | August 3, 1924
Died | December 24, 1997 Los Angeles, California, U.S. | (aged 73)
Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park |
Occupations | |
Spouse |
Marilyn Cluny Cohen (m. 1955) |
Children | 1 |
James Komack (August 3, 1924 – December 24, 1997) was an American television producer, director, screenwriter, and actor. He is best known for producing several hit television series, including The Courtship of Eddie's Father, Chico and the Man, and Welcome Back, Kotter.
Over the course of his career, Komack was nominated for two
Career
Komack performed in both the film and the original
Early in his career, Komack worked as a
Komack's first hit of writing was topical night club material. In addition to writing for himself, he sold songs and patter to other performers, notably Eartha Kitt and Robert Clary. He recorded a gold hit record, "The Knickname Song". Komack made a record album of his comedy routine, James Komack at the Waldorf. He also recorded a music album on
Also in 1957, he guest starred as “Buck Pierce”, a helpful & kind cowboy who was part of the crew heading west on Wagon Train (S1E14 - “The Julie Gage Story”).
In December 1960, Komack appeared as Dr. Franklin in the episode "Emergency" of the CBS anthology series, The DuPont Show with June Allyson.
Komack was the guiding force behind several television hits. After directing "Some Tarzans" for TV in Mexico, he returned to Los Angeles in the late 1960s to create The Courtship of Eddie's Father and also appeared as "Uncle Norman" Tinker. He appeared in and created Me and Maxx, whose title character was inspired by and named after his daughter. He also appeared in Get Smart, created Chico and the Man (including directing the "Sammy Steps In" episode with Sammy Davis Jr.) and helped produce Welcome Back, Kotter. Komack is credited with discovering and launching the careers of John Travolta and Freddie Prinze. He was director of the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "A Piece of the Action".
Komack was the creator and
During his career peak years, he lived with his wife Cluny and daughter Maxine in Beverly Hills, where their lifestyle could easily serve as the premise for another TV comedy, "it is like open house 24 hours a day," he described it.[1]
Death
Komack died of heart problems at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California on December 24, 1997, at the age of 73.[2][3]
Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
1970 | 22nd Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Comedy Series | The Courtship of Eddie's Father | Nominated |
1971 | 28th Golden Globe Awards | Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy | Nominated | |
1976 | 33rd Golden Globe Awards | Chico and the Man | Nominated | |
28th Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Comedy Series | Welcome Back, Kotter | Nominated |
References
- ^ a b c "TV NEWS: PATTY DUKE ASTIN SETTLES DOWN". Pomona Progress Bulletin. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ "James Komack Biography". Film Reference. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
- ^ "James Komack; Producer of Hit TV Shows". Los Angeles Times. December 30, 1997. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
External links
- James Komack at IMDb
- James Komack at Memory Alpha