Writer Gordon “Whitey” Mitchell 1932-2009 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 01-19-2009, 04:55 PM

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Gordon “Whitey” Mitchell, a jazz musician and comedy writer who became a popular desert personality, died Friday after a battle with cancer. He was 76.

Mitchell, brother of the late jazz great Red Mitchell, started his jazz career in New York playing bass with big band legends Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa and Lester Young on the Jazz at the Philharmonic series.

Moving to Hollywood after encouragement from comedian Lenny Bruce to pursue writing, Mitchell became a staff writer and story editor on “Get Smart.” He also wrote for Bob Hope’s comedy TV specials and such sit-coms as “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Odd Couple” and “Mork and Mindy” with Robin Williams.

He and his second wife, Marilyn, a television production coordinator, moved to Palm Desert in 1995. He began his own radio show, “The Power Lunch,” and combined his writing and jazz careers.

He returned to playing bass in nightclubs and in concert tributes to Benny Goodman at the Annenberg Theater, and he wrote a golf column for the Desert Entertainer magazine.

He also wrote two books: his autobiography, “Hackensack to Hollywood: My Two Show Business Careers,” and “Star Walk: A Guide to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.”

He was given a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and served on its board of directors.

He taught screenwriting at UCLA and UC Riverside Palm Desert.

Mitchell is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 37 years, his daughters Michele Mitchell, Karen Mitchell and Lesley Mitchell Clarke, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Brian.

A memorial service is pending. I lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Writers Guild Foundation: (323) 782-4692.

Marvo301 · 01-19-2009, 08:09 PM

R.I.P.

01-19-2009, 04:55 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,433	Writer Gordon “Whitey” Mitchell 1932-2009 Link Gordon “Whitey” Mitchell, a jazz musician and comedy writer who became a popular desert personality, died Friday after a battle with cancer. He was 76. Mitchell, brother of the late jazz great Red Mitchell, started his jazz career in New York playing bass with big band legends Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa and Lester Young on the Jazz at the Philharmonic series. Moving to Hollywood after encouragement from comedian Lenny Bruce to pursue writing, Mitchell became a staff writer and story editor on “Get Smart.” He also wrote for Bob Hope’s comedy TV specials and such sit-coms as “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Odd Couple” and “Mork and Mindy” with Robin Williams. He and his second wife, Marilyn, a television production coordinator, moved to Palm Desert in 1995. He began his own radio show, “The Power Lunch,” and combined his writing and jazz careers. He returned to playing bass in nightclubs and in concert tributes to Benny Goodman at the Annenberg Theater, and he wrote a golf column for the Desert Entertainer magazine. He also wrote two books: his autobiography, “Hackensack to Hollywood: My Two Show Business Careers,” and “Star Walk: A Guide to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.” He was given a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and served on its board of directors. He taught screenwriting at UCLA and UC Riverside Palm Desert. Mitchell is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 37 years, his daughters Michele Mitchell, Karen Mitchell and Lesley Mitchell Clarke, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Brian. A memorial service is pending. I lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Writers Guild Foundation: (323) 782-4692.

01-19-2009, 08:09 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	R.I.P.
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