Robert "Bob" Brunner (born August 3, 1934-died October 28, 2012) was a producer and writer for Happy Days, producing a total of 37 episodes in the series, also writing or co-writing 16 episodes, as well, on the series. He also appeared as Clarabelle the Clown in the Season 2 episode "The Howdy Doody Show" (episode #17). In addition to his work on Happy Days, Bob also co-created the spinoff Blansky's Beauties, where also wrote two episodes; he also penned two episodes of Laverne & Shirley, the episodes "The Society Party", the series' pilot, and "How Do You Say 'Are You Dead' in German?" (episode #13).
Career[]
Bob got his start in the entertainment industry as a publicist in the early '60s when he worked with Tony Bennett and Louis Armstrong. He then transitioned to TV writing for The Odd Couple, executive-produced by his childhood friend Garry Marshall. The two frequently worked together, next when Brunner wrote for Laverne & Shirley and then when he wrote 15 episodes and produced 37 episodes of Happy Days. [3]
Brunner came up with both the nickname "Fonzie" for Henry Winkler's iconic character as well as his famous catchphrase "Sit on it!" [2]Brunner was showrunner at the time of Happy Days's now infamous "jump the shark" episode where Fonzie travels to Hollywood and engages in a water-skiing challenge. Since then, the phrase "jump the shark" became known as the point where a TV show begins its decline.[3]
Brunner went on to co-create and executive-produce Brothers and Sisters and Working Stiffs, and executive-produced Diff'rent Strokes, Webster and the NBC-TV sitcom series Love, Sidney. The Emmy nominee also co-wrote the 1999 film The Other Sister and Exit to Eden, both with Marshall. .[3]
Death[]
Bob died of a heart attack near his residence in Northridge, CA, on October 28, 2012, at the age of 78. He was survived by three children Robert Jr, Jennifer and Elizabeth – and six grandchildren. He was interred and buried at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Cemetery next to his wife, Ann, who died in 1987.
References[]
- ↑ Birth ref check per intelius.com
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Bob Brunner, 'Happy Days' writer, dies", Variety, November 8, 2012. Retrieved on November 27, 2012.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Stanhope, Kate. "TV Writer Behind Happy Days' Jump the Shark Scene Dies", TVGuide (.com), November 12, 2012.
