Television Show Producer. He began his career by working in the publicity and advertising department for Warner Brothers in New York. Soon he moved to California to work in their publicity department there. Less than a year later, he received an offer to join the publicity department at Columbia Pictures. His big break came in 1947 when Jack Benny hired him as the publicity and advertising director of his radio show. The once popular show had dropped from number one to number four but with his help the show soon catapulted back to the number one spot. For the next several years, he was Benny's manager and producer, as well as handling all the PR work involved. Soon he was made President of Benny's company "J and M Productions". He helped produce television shows such as "Checkmate", "The Gisele MacKenzie Show", "The Marge and Gower Show", "Holiday Lodge" and "Ichabod and Me". After, Benny's death, he met George Burns who had been struggling with his career since his wife had passed away, plunging their duo comedy act into a one-man show. He became Burns' manager and producer and soon things began to turn around. He was able to get Burns' a role in "The Sunshine Boys" which earned George an Academy Award and revived his sagging career. He remained Burns' manager until George passed away. During his long and distinguished career he earned many awards, including an Emmy for one of the Jack Benny television shows he produced. He also authored several books, including the bestseller "Jack Benny: An Intimate Biography". He also produced or co-produced several of George Burns' films. He passed away at home at the age of 101 from heart failure.
Television Show Producer. He began his career by working in the publicity and advertising department for Warner Brothers in New York. Soon he moved to California to work in their publicity department there. Less than a year later, he received an offer to join the publicity department at Columbia Pictures. His big break came in 1947 when Jack Benny hired him as the publicity and advertising director of his radio show. The once popular show had dropped from number one to number four but with his help the show soon catapulted back to the number one spot. For the next several years, he was Benny's manager and producer, as well as handling all the PR work involved. Soon he was made President of Benny's company "J and M Productions". He helped produce television shows such as "Checkmate", "The Gisele MacKenzie Show", "The Marge and Gower Show", "Holiday Lodge" and "Ichabod and Me". After, Benny's death, he met George Burns who had been struggling with his career since his wife had passed away, plunging their duo comedy act into a one-man show. He became Burns' manager and producer and soon things began to turn around. He was able to get Burns' a role in "The Sunshine Boys" which earned George an Academy Award and revived his sagging career. He remained Burns' manager until George passed away. During his long and distinguished career he earned many awards, including an Emmy for one of the Jack Benny television shows he produced. He also authored several books, including the bestseller "Jack Benny: An Intimate Biography". He also produced or co-produced several of George Burns' films. He passed away at home at the age of 101 from heart failure.
Bio by: Whispers From The Grave
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