James Komack(August 3, 1924 – December 24, 1997) was an American television producer, director, screenwriter, and actor. He is best known for producing several hit television series, includingThe Courtship of Eddie's Father,Chico and the Man,andWelcome Back, Kotter.
James Komack | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 3, 1924 New York City,U.S. |
| Died | December 24, 1997(aged 73) Los Angeles,California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park |
| Occupations | |
| Spouse |
Marilyn Cluny Cohen (m.1955) |
| Children | 1 |
Over the course of his career, Komack was nominated for twoGolden Globe Awardsand twoPrimetime Emmy Awards.
Career
editKomack performed in both the film and the originalBroadwaycast of the musicalDamn Yankees.In both productions, he played the role of a baseball player performing the song "(You Gotta Have) Heart". Komack also appeared inFrank Capra's filmA Hole in the Headas Julius Manetta, the inept son of Mario (Edward G. Robinson) and Sophie (Thelma Ritter).
Early in his career, Komack worked as astand-up comedianand was cast in sixteen episodes over three seasons asUnited States Navymillionaire dentist Harvey Spencer Blair III, in theCBSmilitary sitcom/drama,Hennesey,starringJackie CooperandAbby Dalton.The second season he began writing some of the scripts. From there he went on to directing, including episodes of the Dick Van Dyke Show, Gallant Men, Combat, 77 Sunset Strip, the Lloyd Bridges Show, and received an Emmy nomination for Dr. Kildare.[1]
Komack's first hit of writing was topical night club material. In addition to writing for himself, he sold songs and patter to other performers, notably Eartha Kitt and Robert Clary. He recorded a gold hit record, "The Knickname Song". Komack made a record album of his comedy routine,James Komack at the Waldorf.He also recorded a music album onRCA Victorin 1957 titledInside Me,under the orchestra direction ofDennis Farnon.In total, he made 8 albums and 14 singles, mostly comedy routines but also some songs.[1]
Also in 1957, he guest starred as “Buck Pierce”, a helpful & kind cowboy who was part of the crew heading west onWagon Train(S1E14 - “The Julie Gage Story” ).
In December 1960, Komack appeared as Dr. Franklin in the episode "Emergency" of the CBSanthology series,The DuPont Show with June Allyson.
Komack was the guiding force behind several television hits. After directing "Some Tarzans" for TV in Mexico, he returned to Los Angeles in the late 1960s to createThe Courtship of Eddie's Fatherand also appeared as "Uncle Norman" Tinker. He appeared in and createdMe and Maxx,whose title character was inspired by and named after his daughter. He also appeared inGet Smart,createdChico and the Man(including directing the "Sammy Steps In" episode withSammy Davis Jr.) and helped produceWelcome Back, Kotter.Komack is credited with discovering and launching the careers ofJohn TravoltaandFreddie Prinze.He was director of theStar Trek: The Original Seriesepisode "A Piece of the Action".
Komack was the creator andexecutive producerof the short-lived 1978CBSsituation comedyAnother Dayand directed the last of the original Porky's films,Porky's Revenge!,in 1985.
During his career peak years, he lived with his wife Cluny and daughter Maxine in Beverly Hills, where their lifestyle could easily serve as the premise for another TV comedy, "it is like open house 24 hours a day," he described it.[1]
Death
editKomack died ofheart problemsatCedars-Sinai HospitalinLos Angeles,Californiaon December 24, 1997, at the age of 73.[2][3]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 22nd Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Comedy Series | The Courtship of Eddie's Father | Nominated |
| 1971 | 28th Golden Globe Awards | Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy | Nominated | |
| 1976 | 33rd Golden Globe Awards | Chico and the Man | Nominated | |
| 28th Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Comedy Series | Welcome Back, Kotter | Nominated |
References
edit- ^abc"TV NEWS: PATTY DUKE ASTIN SETTLES DOWN".Pomona Progress Bulletin.RetrievedDecember 13,2020.
- ^"James Komack Biography".Film Reference.RetrievedNovember 22,2020.
- ^"James Komack; Producer of Hit TV Shows".Los Angeles Times.December 30, 1997.RetrievedNovember 22,2020.