Samuel Denoff (July 1, 1928 – July 8, 2011) was an American screenwriter and television producer.

Samuel Denoff
Born(1928-07-01)July 1, 1928
DiedJuly 8, 2011(2011-07-08) (aged 83)
Occupation(s)Screenwriter, television producer
Known for
Spouses
  • Bernice Levey
    (m. 1950; div. 1964)
  • (m. 1965)
Children4 including Douglas Denoff

Biography

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Denoff was born to a Jewish family[1] in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Esther (Rothbard) and Harry Denoff, a salesman.[2] With his long-time collaborator Bill Persky he wrote and created the television show That Girl starring Marlo Thomas.[3][4] Their writing collaboration on episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show resulted in some of the show's most popular episodes. Denoff also wrote for the 1976 Danny Thomas situation comedy The Practice.

Personal life

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Denoff married twice. His first wife was Bernice Levey; they had two children, Leslie Denoff and producer Douglas Denoff.[3] His second wife was dancer Sharon Shore with whom he had two children, Melissa Denoff and Matthew Denoff.[3] Denoff died from complications of Alzheimer's disease at his home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles, at the age of 83.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Abbey, Alan D. (July 18, 2011). "The Eulogizer: TV writer Sam Denoff". Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
  2. ^ "Sam Denoff Biography". Film Reference. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Thursby, Keith (July 11, 2011). "Sam Denoff dies at 83; Emmy-winning writer". Los Angeles Times.
  4. ^ Robey, Charity (November 17, 2017). "Shelter Island profile: Bill Persky, seeking the 'nothing fancy'". Shelter Island Reporter. Retrieved 2023-01-20.
  5. ^ Fox, Margalit (July 11, 2011). "Sam Denoff, TV Writer, Is Dead at 83". The New York Times. p. A21.
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