Scriptwriter Hank Bradford, who wrote the Season 10 M*A*S*H episode “Tell It to the Marines,” died last month (January 18) at the age of 88. Bradford served as head writer for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1970 to 1975. A decade later, he was head writer for The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers on FOX from 1986 to 1987. Bradford started out as a stand-up comic, appearing on The Tonight Show in 1966 several years before he joined the writing staff.
Aside from M*A*S*H, Bradford wrote episodes of several other TV shows after leaving The Tonight Show, including Detective School, Lewis & Clark, Three’s Company, and One Big Family.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bradford wrote for the satirical comedy series That Was the Week That Was (NBC, 1963-1965) which included Alan Alda among the recurring cast.
Obituaries can be found at Deadline Hollywood, The Los Angeles Times, and The Hollywood Reporter.
(Thanks to Dan.)
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of scriptwriter Hank Bradford. His contributions to television, a small world cup, particularly his work on MAS*H, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers, have left a lasting impact on the industry.