WGA West to Hold Memorial Tribute for Hal Kanter

Emmy-winning comedy writer Hal Kanter, who passed away last November at age 92,  will be celebrated at a memorial tribute by the Writers Guild of America West on Sunday, May 6 in the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. 

our editor recommends

Legendary Comic Writer Hal Kanter, Creator of Landmark Series 'Julia,' Dies at 92

Kanter wrote for the Academy Awards for 33 years as well as the Emmys and for numerous radio and TV shows in his long career. He also was M.C. or spoke at such industry events as the Writers Guild and Directors Guild awards for many years.

Kanter was also the creator of the TV show Julia, the first situation comedy to feature an African American actress in a role other than a domestic. It starred Diahann Carroll.

Among those who will remember and pay tribute to Kanter are director Arthur Hiller, comedian and director Carl Reiner, comedian Shelly Berman, former AMPAS executive director Bruce Davis, director Daniel Petrie, Jr., WGAW vice president and writer Howard A. Rodman and others.

Kanter’s many other credits on TV included the George Gobel Show, The Jimmy Stewart Show, Chico and the Man and All in the Family. His movie writing credits collaborating with Tennessee Williams on the screenplay for the 1955 version of The Rose Tattoo, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby’s road movies including Road to Bali, Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin’s Artists and Models, Pocket Full of Miracles and Move Over, Darling. He also directed Elvis Presley in Loving You, a 1957 movie he co-wrote, among many others.