Humanitas Honoree Gary David Goldberg Set to Receive Kieser Award

Gary David Goldberg, 67, has advice for new writers crafting sitcom scenes: "What you want are those laughs of recognition where the audience sees something of themselves in that moment," he says.

In acknowledgement of his ability to "promote a greater appreciation for each member of the human family," the creator of '80s juggernaut Family Ties is being honored with the Kieser Award, named after the late Rev. Ellwood "Bud" Kieser, at the 37th annual Humanitas Prize gala Sept. 16 at the Montage Beverly Hills.

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Kieser founded the Humanitas Prize in 1974 to recognize film and TV scribes whose stories study the human condition.

Says Humanitas president John Wells, "Gary sets a wonderful example for a generation of writers: Not only does commercial television not have to be devoid of moral and ethical values, successful shows only become more successful with the inclusion of our common humanity."