Alan Alda has written a moving tribute to the late Larry Gelbart for The Los Angeles Times that can be found here. Thanks to “Mary Lou Wallace” at alt.tv.mash for bringing this to my attention. Titled “On the front lines with Larry Gelbart,” the appreciation recalls Gelbart’s humor and kindness, warmth and wit. Here’s my favorite excerpt:

For all his hatred of death and his disgust with those who casually brought it about, Larry was a gracious and encouraging presence. It seemed that there were few awkward moments that couldn’t be turned aside with a wit-charged observation. He was genial from his toenails to his scalp. He never laughed so hard as he did at himself when — while directing his first episode — instead of saying “Action!” he accidentally started a scene by authoritatively calling out, “Cut!”

Related Posts:

• Larry Gelbart Dies at 81
• Some Larry Gelbart Interviews
• Gelbart To Join Television Academy Hall of Fame
• Alan Alda Discusses “Lend a Hand”
• Larry Gelbart’s Lost “The Interview” Interviews

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