Howard Leeds (1919-2017) TV Producer/Writer & Creator of Small Wonder & Silver Spoons - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 03-01-2017, 08:51 AM

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June 27, 1919 - February 11, 2017 Howard Leeds passed away peacefully in his home on February 11, 2017 after a long-term illness. He was lovingly cared for by his wife Joan. He was 97 years old. Howard was born on June 27, 1919 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to parents Natalie Goldman and Michael Goldstein. Howard and his parents immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, California. In 1932 Howard acted in a Sherlock Holmes film and production at the Hollywood Bowl. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1937 and went on to serve as a Sergeant in the Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He returned from the war and went to work at MGM studios where he learned the behind-the-scenes craft of television. Over the past sixty-seven years, Howard had been involved with television's most successful series, producing and writing hundreds of shows for both film and tape. He served as executive producer and head writer for The Brady Bunch, Different Strokes, and The Ghost of Mrs. Muir, and developed the hit series Facts of Life, Small Wonder and co-created Silver Spoons. His keen sense of humor and writing skills lead to many variety specials for top name stars, including Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Fred Astaire, George Gobel, Bing Crosby, Red Skelton, and Benny Hill. Howard's work spanned from the fields of drama, mystery, comedy and musical variety. He worked in both the United States and abroad, including projects in England, France, Switzerland, and Australia. In his free time, Howard was an avid fisherman who made regular trips to Mexico, loved time on the golf course at Riviera Country Club, and traveling the world with his family and friends. Howard is survived by the love of his life and wife Joan Hajny-Leeds. He is also survived by his son, John Hajny, his daughter-in-law Kim Hajny and his two grandchildren Jenna and Erin Hajny.

Svenfan1234 · 03-01-2017, 12:13 PM

R.I.P.

I enjoy both Small Wonder & Silver Spoons.

BigManMike · 03-01-2017, 02:28 PM

RIP. I didn't care for Small Wonder and I've never seen Silver Spoons or The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, but I loved The Brady Bunch, Diff'rent Strokes, and The Facts of Life.

Coffeecup · 03-02-2017, 11:39 AM

Small Wonder was one show I just couldn't watch. Just didn't appeal to me. Always felt it was more suited to a young teen or a tween age person. When the show came out, wasn't in on on a Saturday morning, I was in my 30's and it felt I was old for the show.

DJM77 · 03-02-2017, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coffeecup

Small Wonder was one show I just couldn't watch. Just didn't appeal to me. Always felt it was more suited to a young teen or a tween age person. When the show came out, wasn't in on on a Saturday morning, I was in my 30's and it felt I was old for the show.

It was a first run syndication show and I believe that channels just aired it at whatever time they wanted to. If I recall correctly KPLR 11 in St. Louis ran it on Saturday afternoons.

Marvo301 · 03-03-2017, 01:39 AM

Howard Leeds

03-01-2017, 08:51 AM	#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: 34,386	Howard Leeds (1919-2017) TV Producer/Writer & Creator of Small Wonder & Silver Spoons Link June 27, 1919 - February 11, 2017 Howard Leeds passed away peacefully in his home on February 11, 2017 after a long-term illness. He was lovingly cared for by his wife Joan. He was 97 years old. Howard was born on June 27, 1919 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to parents Natalie Goldman and Michael Goldstein. Howard and his parents immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, California. In 1932 Howard acted in a Sherlock Holmes film and production at the Hollywood Bowl. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1937 and went on to serve as a Sergeant in the Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He returned from the war and went to work at MGM studios where he learned the behind-the-scenes craft of television. Over the past sixty-seven years, Howard had been involved with television's most successful series, producing and writing hundreds of shows for both film and tape. He served as executive producer and head writer for The Brady Bunch, Different Strokes, and The Ghost of Mrs. Muir, and developed the hit series Facts of Life, Small Wonder and co-created Silver Spoons. His keen sense of humor and writing skills lead to many variety specials for top name stars, including Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Fred Astaire, George Gobel, Bing Crosby, Red Skelton, and Benny Hill. Howard's work spanned from the fields of drama, mystery, comedy and musical variety. He worked in both the United States and abroad, including projects in England, France, Switzerland, and Australia. In his free time, Howard was an avid fisherman who made regular trips to Mexico, loved time on the golf course at Riviera Country Club, and traveling the world with his family and friends. Howard is survived by the love of his life and wife Joan Hajny-Leeds. He is also survived by his son, John Hajny, his daughter-in-law Kim Hajny and his two grandchildren Jenna and Erin Hajny.

03-01-2017, 12:13 PM	#2
Svenfan1234 Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 12, 2015 Posts: 11,200	R.I.P. I enjoy both Small Wonder & Silver Spoons.
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03-03-2017, 01:39 AM	#6
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Howard Leeds
	__________________ 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

03-01-2017, 02:28 PM	#3
BigManMike Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 25, 2006 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 3,022	RIP. I didn't care for Small Wonder and I've never seen Silver Spoons or The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, but I loved The Brady Bunch, Diff'rent Strokes, and The Facts of Life.

03-02-2017, 11:39 AM	#4
Coffeecup coffeecup. Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 17, 2003 Location: snoozeville Posts: 3,183	Small Wonder was one show I just couldn't watch. Just didn't appeal to me. Always felt it was more suited to a young teen or a tween age person. When the show came out, wasn't in on on a Saturday morning, I was in my 30's and it felt I was old for the show.