Robert Tischler(June 12, 1946 – July 13, 2024) was an American television writer,audio engineerand television producer. Tischler engineered theNational Lampoon's first comedy album[1]and withMichael O'Donoghueco-created and produced theNational Lampoon Radio Hour.A friend ofJohn Belushi's since the Radio Hour days, Tischler produced fourBlues Brothersalbums, the first of which,Briefcase Full of Blues,reached No. 1 on theBillboard200and wentdouble platinum.He later worked onSaturday Night Liveas head writer from 1981 to 1985.[2]
Bob Tischler | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 12, 1946 |
| Died | July 13, 2024(aged 78) |
| Occupation(s) | Writer, television producer |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 1 |
Background
editRobert Tischler was born inEnglewood, New Jersey,in 1946.[3]He was educated atIthaca CollegeandFranconia Collegebut never obtained a degree.[3]
Tischler was married to and divorced from Belinda Horowitz; he later married Judith English. He had a son.[3]
Tischler died from pancreatic cancer at his home inBodega Bay, California,on July 13, 2024, at the age of 78.[3]
Career
editTischler was making radio spots for movie studios when, after hiring improvisational actorChristopher Guestas voice talent, Guest and Tischler became friends.[3]"Chris got me into show business," Tischler later recalled.[4]When Guest became involved with National Lampoon's 1972Radio Dinneralbum, he called on Tischler to help.[4]Tischler co-produced the record with Lampoon magazine writersTony HendraandMichael O'Donoghue.[3]
In 1981, Tischler joinedSaturday Night LivewhenDick Ebersoltook creative control; Tischler served as head writer for four seasons, leaving the show in 1985. During his tenure, he helped reverse the show's declining fortunes after itsrocky sixth season.[3]He championedEddie Murphyas a cast member, whose emergence as a star was credited as a major factor for the show's newfound successes.[3]Guest,Billy Crystal,andMartin Shortalso joined the show during this time.[3]
Tischler producedDavid Brenner's late-night talk showNightlifeduring the 1986-'87 season and had since written for and produced a number of television series, includingWhat's Alan Watching?,[5]Empty Nest,Something So RightandBoy Meets World.[3]
References
edit- ^Stein, Ellin (June 24, 2013). "Chapter 6: The Breaking of the Table".That's Not Funny, That's Sick: The National Lampoon and the Comedy Insurgents Who Captured the Mainstream.W.W. Norton & Company.ISBN9780393084375.
- ^Former SNL Head Writer Bob Tischler Dies
- ^abcdefghijSandomir, Richard(August 11, 2024)."Bob Tischler, Who Helped Revive 'Saturday Night Live,' Dies at 78".The New York Times.RetrievedAugust 11,2024.
- ^abKornbluth, Jesse (October 1, 1984)."Revived from New York, It's 'Saturday Night'!".New York Magazine.New York Media, Inc.: 54.
- ^"What's Alan Watching?".The New York Times.1989.
