"Facts of Life" Co-Creator/Writer Ben Starr 1921-2014 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 01-20-2014, 09:11 PM

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Comedy writer Ben Starr, whose career stretched from radio through 1980s sitcoms, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 92.

Starr was a co-creator of NBC comedies “The Facts of Life” and “Silver Spoons.” During his long career, he wrote for TV comedies ranging from “All in the Family” to “Diff’rent Strokes” as well as “Mr. Ed,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Petticoat Junction,” “The Brady Bunch” and “Chico and the Man.”

Starr inadvertently helped create the famous catchphrase from “Diff’rent Strokes” — “Whatchu talking ’bout Willis?” The line as written in an early script for the show was “What are you talking about, Willis?” but after star Gary Coleman gave it his distinctive delivery, Starr knew it was a keeper.

Starr went on to create the spinoff “Facts of Life” with two other writers he met while working on “Diff’rent Strokes,” Martin Cohan and Howard Leeds. “Facts of Life” ran from 1979 to 1988. “Silver Spoons,” also created with Cohan and Leeds, ran from 1982-1987 and launched the career of Rick Schroder.

In addition to his TV work, Starr penned a number of features including 1966′s “Our Man Flint” and “Texas Across the River” and 1967′s “The Spirit is Willing.” He also wrote plays, including “The Family Way,” which had a brief run on Broadway in 1965.

Raised in Brooklyn by Russian immigrant parents, Starr served in WWII and attended New York’s City College and later graduated from UCLA. He got his showbiz start in radio, writing for such giants as Al Jolson, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin and George Burns.

Starr was among the veteran comedy scribes featured in the documentary “Lunch,” about the group’s regular kvetch sessions at Factor’s Deli in Los Angeles.

Starr’s wife of 50 years, Gloria, died in 1999.

Survivors include three children and three grandchildren and nephew Andy Kaplan, who heads international channels for Sony Pictures TV.

Bronson · 01-26-2014, 01:01 PM

RIP!! He created a good show.

Marvo301 · 01-26-2014, 07:14 PM

Ben Starr

Nighthawk76 · 01-28-2014, 01:00 AM

R.I.P. Mr. Starr.

Johnny be good! · 04-07-2014, 11:09 AM

He lived a good long life.

01-20-2014, 09:11 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: 34,392	"Facts of Life" Co-Creator/Writer Ben Starr 1921-2014 Link Comedy writer Ben Starr, whose career stretched from radio through 1980s sitcoms, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 92. Starr was a co-creator of NBC comedies “The Facts of Life” and “Silver Spoons.” During his long career, he wrote for TV comedies ranging from “All in the Family” to “Diff’rent Strokes” as well as “Mr. Ed,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Petticoat Junction,” “The Brady Bunch” and “Chico and the Man.” Starr inadvertently helped create the famous catchphrase from “Diff’rent Strokes” — “Whatchu talking ’bout Willis?” The line as written in an early script for the show was “What are you talking about, Willis?” but after star Gary Coleman gave it his distinctive delivery, Starr knew it was a keeper. Starr went on to create the spinoff “Facts of Life” with two other writers he met while working on “Diff’rent Strokes,” Martin Cohan and Howard Leeds. “Facts of Life” ran from 1979 to 1988. “Silver Spoons,” also created with Cohan and Leeds, ran from 1982-1987 and launched the career of Rick Schroder. In addition to his TV work, Starr penned a number of features including 1966′s “Our Man Flint” and “Texas Across the River” and 1967′s “The Spirit is Willing.” He also wrote plays, including “The Family Way,” which had a brief run on Broadway in 1965. Raised in Brooklyn by Russian immigrant parents, Starr served in WWII and attended New York’s City College and later graduated from UCLA. He got his showbiz start in radio, writing for such giants as Al Jolson, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin and George Burns. Starr was among the veteran comedy scribes featured in the documentary “Lunch,” about the group’s regular kvetch sessions at Factor’s Deli in Los Angeles. Starr’s wife of 50 years, Gloria, died in 1999. Survivors include three children and three grandchildren and nephew Andy Kaplan, who heads international channels for Sony Pictures TV.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

01-26-2014, 07:14 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Ben Starr
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

04-07-2014, 11:09 AM	#5
Johnny be good! Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 18, 2007 Location: Westland, Michigan Posts: 1,633	He lived a good long life.
	__________________ Alex Bogue

01-26-2014, 01:01 PM	#2
Bronson Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 27, 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 274	RIP!! He created a good show.

01-28-2014, 01:00 AM	#4
Nighthawk76 Rachel Berry Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 28, 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 23,254	R.I.P. Mr. Starr.