· · 2 sources

Bernie Orenstein writer and producer dies at age 95

Bernie Orenstein, a television comedy writer and producer known for his work on 'That Girl' and 'Sanford and Son', died on September 14 at the age of 95.

Career highlights and collaborations

Orenstein began his career writing for 'The Hollywood Palace' in the 1960s before partnering with Saul Turteltaub. The duo collaborated on numerous sitcoms including 'Kate & Allie' and 'Cosby' over a span of more than 40 years. They frequently worked separately, with one partner writing a full script while the other pitched lines from behind.

Mentorship and personal legacy

Outside of television production, Orenstein served as a mentor to rising writers at Long Island University Brooklyn's TV Writers Studio MFA program. In a 2016 interview, he stated that he wanted to be remembered by the body of his work and by never hurting anybody.

2 outlets, different leads

  • Variety

    Bernie Orenstein, Co-Writer of ‘That Girl’ and ‘The New Dick Van Dyke Show,’ Dies at 95

  • The Hollywood Reporter

    Bernie Orenstein, Writer-Producer on ‘That Girl,’ ‘Sanford and Son’ and ‘What’s Happening!!,’ Dies at 95

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2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.