Bill Harp; Emmy-Winning TV Set Decorator

Bill Harp, Emmy-winning set decorator for such long-running television series as “The Carol Burnett Show” and “L.A. Law,” has died. He was 70.

Harp also owned Prop Services West, which supplied furniture and accessories for television and films. He died March 16 at his Hollywood home of a heart attack.

During his nearly four-decade career, Harp earned four Emmys and 24 Emmy nominations for sets on specials such as “My Name Is Barbra,” with Barbra Streisand, and for series such as “Moonlighting,” with Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd.

He had a long association with Burnett, whom he met when they both worked for “The Gary Moore Show.” Harp decorated Burnett’s homes as well as the sets for her series and its spinoff, “Mama’s Family.” Burnett, who likened Harp to Santa Claus in appearance and to a child in behavior, said he also supervised the decoration of her Christmas tree each year.

“Bill was always there, a consummate professional and a brother,” she said after his death. “I’ll miss him.”

Harp also worked on the respected “Omnibus” television series and “The Perry Como Show.”

A native of Bastrop, La., he was recently honored with a “Bill Harp Day” in his hometown.

He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Louisiana State University and taught at the University of Georgia. During World War II, he was a flight navigator with the rank of lieutenant.

Harp is survived by his companion, Marshal Alan Philips; a brother, E.L. (Red) Harp; two sisters, Mary Nell Rogers and Katherine Talley, and seven nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in North Hollywood.

The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to the American Actors Fund or to Project Angel Food Los Angeles.