Hank Bradford, renowned for his role as head writer on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers," passed away on Jan 18 in Los Angeles at 88, due to congestive heart failure, confirmed by his daughter Stephanie Brenowitz. Bradford's tenure from 1970 to 1975 on Carson's show earned him praise for his humor and leadership style, with a sign above his desk reading: 'It left here funny.' He was instrumental in crafting iconic Carson sketches, including Carnac the Magnificent.
Bradford's daily routine involved overseeing a team of writers who scoured newspapers and magazines for material to turn into jokes for Carson's monologue. Despite the pressure, Bradford maintained a sense of humor, coaxing out laughs from his writers even in the face of bizarre prompts. He met his wife Patricia, a talent coordinator on "The Tonight Show," in 1971, and they married before relocating to Los Angeles with the show.
Beyond his work with Carson, Bradford served as head writer for "The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers" from 1986 to 1987, and contributed to shows like "MASH" and "Three's Company." Born Henry Brenowitz in Brooklyn on May 7, 1935, Bradford faced anti-Semitism in the entertainment industry, adopting the stage name "Hank Bradford" during his comedy career in the 1960s. Later in life, he co-founded "Yarmy's Army," a comedy troupe aimed at supporting comedians in need, reflecting Bradford's commitment to his craft and community.
Survived by his wife Patricia, daughters Stephanie Brenowitz and Sally Bradford McKenna, sons Matt Bohm and William McLaughlin, and five grandchildren, Bradford leaves behind a legacy of laughter and creativity in the world of comedy.
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