Bob Ellison, an Emmy Award winning writer, has passed away at the age of 91. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bob died on April 8 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The sad announcement was made by Bob’s manager, Malcolm Orland, one month after his death.
Remembering Bob, Malcolm Orland said, “He was a sweetheart and so good at what he did.”
Bob was involved in writing and/or producing numerous specials featuring Julie Andrews and Burt Bacharach. Additionally, he played a role in co-developing the NBC sitcom ‘Dear John,’ which aired from 1988 to 1992 and starred Judd Hirsch.
Bob wrote 15 episodes and served as an executive story editor during the final two seasons of The Mary Tyler Moore Show (from 1975-1977). He also shared an Emmy with Allan Burns, James L. Brooks, Ed. Weinberger, Stan Daniels, and David Lloyd for their work on the beloved series finale, “The Last Show.”
Bob earned his first Emmy for a 1971 Bacharach special and received nominations for his writing on The Kraft Music Hall in the same year. He was also nominated for his work on Julie and Carol at Lincoln Center in 1972 and The Julie Andrews Hour in 1973, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Additionally, he contributed to Mary Tyler Moore spinoffs Rhoda and Phyllis, and produced The Betty White Show, all for MTM Enterprises. Bob is survived by his wife, Elaine, with whom he had no children.