Television writer Earl Barret dies at age 94

Television comedy writer and producer Earl Barret died of natural causes at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, on Oct. 22. He was 94 years old. Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline all reported his death, citing an announcement from his daughter, J.K. Barret. [1][2][3]

Variety reported that Barret started his television writing career in 1961 after taking a free weekly television writing class taught by Robert C. Dennis. The two writers subsequently collaborated on episodes for several series. Over a 30-year career, Barret wrote for more than 30 television shows. [1]

Barret co-developed the sitcom Too Close for Comfort, which starred Ted Knight. The Hollywood Reporter notes that he also created the villain King Tut for the Batman television series. His writing and producing credits spanned numerous hit comedies, including Bewitched, Get Smart, The Andy Griffith Show, Sanford and Son, and Welcome Back, Kotter. [1][2][3][8]

Later in his career, Barret moved into story editing, producing, and executive producing. He worked frequently with production partner Arne Sultan, including work as a story editor and writer on The Governor and J.J. [8]