Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

'Brady Bunch' and 'Gilligan's Island' Creator Sherwood Schwartz Has Died

schwartz-sherwood.jpg
A signed headshot of Schwartz

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of beloved 1960s sitcoms like "The Brady Bunch" and "Gilligan's Island," has died. He was 94. "Schwartz died of natural causes in his sleep, surrounded by his family," reports TMZ.Schwartz did not begin his career in television, but rather came to it serendipitously after moving from his native New York to Southern California to pursue a Master's degree in biology. He wound up working for the radio show that employed his brother, Al, by writing jokes. Schwartz then started working in radio, and ultimately television, where he found his eventual fame.

A writer, songwriter (he wrote the themes for "Brady Bunch" and "Gilligan's Island,") and producer, Schwartz left his stamp on numerous shows, like "My Favorite Martian," and "Harper Valley PTA," among others. He received his start on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in March 2008.

Schwartz is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mildred Schwartz, and four children Donald Schwartz, Lloyd J. Schwartz, Ross Schwartz and Hope Juber.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today