Allan Blye, Emmy-Winning Writer for ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,’ ‘Van Dyke and Company,’ Dies at 87
variety.comMichaela Zee Allan Blye, an Emmy-winning writer for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and “Van Dyke and Company,” died Friday morning at home in Palm Desert, Calif., a family spokesperson confirmed.
He was 87. In 1968, Tom and Dick Smothers convinced Blye to move to Los Angeles to serve as head writer and producer on their new variety show, CBS’ “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” There, Blye worked alongside young comedians such as Bob Einstein, Steve Martin, Rob Reiner and Carl Gottlieb.
The show won an Emmy for best writing in a variety comedy television series in 1969. Blye wrote and produced many shows throughout his career, including “The Andy Williams Show,” “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour,” “The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show,” “That’s My Mama,” “The Bobby Vinton Show” and “The Ray Stevens Show,” which he co-created with Chris Bearde.
Blye also co-wrote several TV specials, such as Elvis Presley’s 1968 “Comeback Special” and “The 44th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.” After working together on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” Blye and Bob Einstein formed a writing and producing partnership.
Read more on variety.com
