TV Writer, Producer Robert Foster Dies at 72

11:01 AM PDT 6/16/2011 by Mike Barnes

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Credits include "Knight Rider," "Kojak" and the John Frankenheimer film "Dead Bang."

Robert Foster, a writer, director and executive producer on the 1980s NBC action series Knight Rider, died May 30 from brain cancer at this home in Sherman Oaks. He was 72.

•Obituaries

Starting in the late 60s, Foster also wrote episodes for such shows as Run for Your Life, The Bold Ones, Kojak, The New Maverick, Kate McShane and Chicago Story. In 1988, he penned the telefilm Clinton and Nadine, starring Andy Garcia and Ellen Barkin.

The Los Angeles native also did the screenplay and produced Dead Bang (1989), the John Frankenheimer film that starred Don Johnson.

Foster, whose father, Wylie, was an accountant at Universal Studios, took his first job in the entertainment industry in the Universal mailroom.

Survivors include daughters Maralee Foster and Deanna Foster and grandchildren Robert and Tyler. Donations may be made in his honor to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Farr West, Utah.