Hal Goodman; Monologuist for Comedians
Hal Goodman, who put funny words in the mouths of entertainers ranging from a young Bob Hope to Johnny Carson, died Wednesday in his Los Angeles home. The award-winning monologuist was 82.
With his longtime writing partner, Larry Klein, Goodman was nominated for eight Emmys and won twice--for episodes of “The Jack Benny Show” in 1959 and “The Flip Wilson Show” in 1971.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. Sept. 6, 1997 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Saturday September 6, 1997 Home Edition Part A Page 24 Metro Desk 2 inches; 43 words Type of Material: Correction
Goodman obituary--A photograph appearing with the obituary of Hal Goodman in Friday’s paper was actually a picture of comedy writer Hal Goldman. Additionally, Goodman was credited with an Emmy award for an episode of the Jack Benny show in 1959. The Emmy was awarded to a writing team that included Goldman.
He met Carson in 1953 when the future host of “The Tonight Show” first came to town and when Goodman was already a veteran Hope writer. Over the years, Goodman worked with Jack Benny, Milton Berle, Frank Sinatra, Steve Allen, Imogene Coca, Carol Burnett, Jackie Gleason, David Letterman and others.
He also crafted the pilot for the “Margie” TV series and wrote episodes of “Invitation to a Gunfighter” and “Pete and Gladys.”
Survivors include his wife, Natalie; daughters Elisa and Diane; a brother, Allan Grant; and two granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills. Donations in Goodman’s name can be made to Amnesty International or the Venice Family Clinic.
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