"The Rifleman" & "The Big Valley" Producer Arthur Gardner 1910-2014 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 12-20-2014, 05:11 AM

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Longtime Hollywood producer Arthur Gardner, a voting member of the motion picture academy as a centenarian, died Friday of natural causes at Sunrise Beverly Hills Assisted Living, said his son, Steven. He was 104.
lRelated Notable deaths of 2014

Gardner joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences more than a half-century ago when he first became a producer.

The last film he produced was "Safari 3000" in 1982.

"He wouldn't do anything in life but be in the business," Steven said of his father's love for Hollywood.

Born Arthur Goldberg in 1910, Gardner was raised in Wisconsin and moved to Los Angeles in 1929 at 18 with dreams of becoming an actor. Like many Jewish actors at the time, he changed his name because of fears of anti-Semitism, he told The Times in an interview.

One of the first movies he was cast in was "All Quiet on the Western Front." It was a small role, but during that time he met George Cukor, the filmmaker who would go on to direct "A Star Is Born" and "My Fair Lady," Gardner told The Times.

During World War II, he served in the Army's first motion picture unit, making educational and other films under Ronald Reagan. When the war ended, Gardner turned to producing, making his debut with a 1952 serial-killer B movie titled "Without Warning!"

During his career, Gardner worked with Chuck Connors and Barbara Stanwyck, as well as John Wayne on one of the actor's final films, 1974's "McQ."

“The Rifleman,” the popular 1950s Western television series, was one of Gardner's best-known works.

Johnny Crawford, who starred in the show along with Chuck Connors, told The Times he adored Gardner.

"He was just a class act," Crawford said. "I always admired him as a kid."

Crawford played Mark McCain, Lucas McCain's son, on the show that ran for five seasons on ABC.

"He was unlike so many other producers who were all business," Crawford said. "He was a wonderful guy."

Gardner, who according to Steven said he did not have a favorite movie but rather loved them all, was an active voter for the Academy until he was 100. That also happens to be the year he threw out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium.

Marvo301 · 12-20-2014, 05:13 PM

Arthur Gardner

AB · 12-20-2014, 06:05 PM

Rest in peace.

12-20-2014, 05:11 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: 34,473	"The Rifleman" & "The Big Valley" Producer Arthur Gardner 1910-2014 Link Longtime Hollywood producer Arthur Gardner, a voting member of the motion picture academy as a centenarian, died Friday of natural causes at Sunrise Beverly Hills Assisted Living, said his son, Steven. He was 104. lRelated Notable deaths of 2014 Gardner joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences more than a half-century ago when he first became a producer. The last film he produced was "Safari 3000" in 1982. "He wouldn't do anything in life but be in the business," Steven said of his father's love for Hollywood. Born Arthur Goldberg in 1910, Gardner was raised in Wisconsin and moved to Los Angeles in 1929 at 18 with dreams of becoming an actor. Like many Jewish actors at the time, he changed his name because of fears of anti-Semitism, he told The Times in an interview. One of the first movies he was cast in was "All Quiet on the Western Front." It was a small role, but during that time he met George Cukor, the filmmaker who would go on to direct "A Star Is Born" and "My Fair Lady," Gardner told The Times. During World War II, he served in the Army's first motion picture unit, making educational and other films under Ronald Reagan. When the war ended, Gardner turned to producing, making his debut with a 1952 serial-killer B movie titled "Without Warning!" During his career, Gardner worked with Chuck Connors and Barbara Stanwyck, as well as John Wayne on one of the actor's final films, 1974's "McQ." “The Rifleman,” the popular 1950s Western television series, was one of Gardner's best-known works. Johnny Crawford, who starred in the show along with Chuck Connors, told The Times he adored Gardner. "He was just a class act," Crawford said. "I always admired him as a kid." Crawford played Mark McCain, Lucas McCain's son, on the show that ran for five seasons on ABC. "He was unlike so many other producers who were all business," Crawford said. "He was a wonderful guy." Gardner, who according to Steven said he did not have a favorite movie but rather loved them all, was an active voter for the Academy until he was 100. That also happens to be the year he threw out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium.
	__________________ '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.

12-20-2014, 05:13 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Arthur Gardner
	__________________ 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

12-20-2014, 06:05 PM	#3
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,428	Rest in peace.