Allan Blye, Emmy-Winning Comedy Writer for ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,’ Dies at 87
Allan Blye, an Emmy-winning comedy writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and Van Dyke and Company, has died. He was 87.
Blye died Friday morning at his home in Palm Desert, California, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The cause of death wasn’t immediately available.
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Born on July 19, 1937, in Winnipeg, Canada, Blye went from being a child soloist in his synagogue’s choir to becoming a featured singer on variety radio shows all across Canada.
In his early 20s, he eventually caught Fred Rogers’ attention and went on to originate the role of Captain Blye on MisteRogers (which later became Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood) from 1961-65.
In 1968, Tom and Dick Smothers convinced Blye to move to Los Angeles to write and produce their new show, CBS’ The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. It was there that he worked alongside young comedians such as Steve Martin, Bob Einstein, Rob Reiner and Carl Gottlieb. Blye also helped earn the show an Emmy for best writing in a variety comedy television series in 1969.
Blye went on to write and produce numerous other shows, including The Ray Stevens Show, The Andy Williams Show, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show, That’s My Mama, Van Dyke and Company, The Bobby Vinton Show, Bizarre and Super Dave. He also co-wrote several TV specials, such as Elvis Presley’s 1968 Comeback Special.
With the help of producing partner Einstein, Blye won his second Emmy for best writing in a variety comedy television series in 1973 for The Van Dyke and Company Show.
In 1972, Blyd established the Synagogue for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills and became its Cantor Emeritus. Throughout his career, he helped raise millions of dollars for educational causes in the Jewish community.
Survivors include his, wife Rita; brother Garry, sister-in-law Susan; children Debra, Jeffrey, Rob, Kate, Charlie and Sam; and three grandchildren, Julian, Jeremy and Scarlett.
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