Allan Blye, Emmy-Winning Writer for ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,’ ‘Van Dyke and Company,’ Dies at 87

As a seasoned movie reviewer with a penchant for the behind-the-scenes tales of Hollywood’s golden age, I find myself deeply moved by the life and career of Allan Blye. Born in the frosty plains of Winnipeg, Canada, this man traversed the vast expanse of North America, leaving an indelible mark on the television landscape as a writer, producer, singer, and actor.

87-year-old Allan Blye, a renowned Emmy-winning writer for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and “Van Dyke and Company,” passed away on Friday morning at his home in Palm Desert, California. This news has been confirmed by a family representative.

In the year of 1968, Tom and Dick Smothers persuaded Blye to relocate to Los Angeles, where they wanted him to take on the roles of head writer and producer for their upcoming variety show, “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” on CBS. During his tenure there, Blye collaborated with up-and-coming comedians like Bob Einstein, Steve Martin, Rob Reiner, and Carl Gottlieb. In 1969, the show was honored with an Emmy for its exceptional writing in a variety comedy television series.

Over the course of his career, Blye was responsible for writing, directing, and producing numerous television shows. Among these were “The Andy Williams Show”, “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour”, “The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show”, “That’s My Mama”, “The Bobby Vinton Show”, and “The Ray Stevens Show”, which he collaborated with Chris Bearde in creating. Additionally, Blye teamed up to write several TV specials, including Elvis Presley’s 1968 comeback special and the 44th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

Following their collaboration on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour”, Blye and Bob Einstein established a writing and production partnership. In 1973, they received their second Emmy for outstanding writing in a variety comedy television series for “Van Dyke and Company”, featuring Dick Van Dyke. Subsequently, they created the Canadian sketch comedy series “Bizarre”, which aired from 1980 to 1986. This was succeeded by the spinoff series “Super Dave” (also known as “The Super Dave Osborne Show”), where Einstein portrayed and hosted his character from “Bizarre”. The show ran from 1987 to 1991.

In the 1960s, Blye gained recognition for his role as Captain Blye on what later came to be known as “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” (originally “MisteRogers”). On this show, he performed the song “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”.

Born on the 19th of July, 1937, in Winnipeg, Canada, Blye began life as a choirboy in his synagogue and later gained fame as a regular singer on numerous variety radio shows nationwide across Canada. By the age of 20, his voice was broadcast in hundreds of jingle advertisements.

As a film critic, I couldn’t help but be moved by the heartfelt original tunes penned and sung by Allan, which beautifully captured his deep affection for Canada and his cherished hometown, Winnipeg. Among these soulful compositions was “Winnipeg My Home,” a poignant ode to the city that shaped him.

In 1972, Allan Blye founded the Performing Arts Synagogue in Beverly Hills and later became its Emeritus Cantor. His efforts in fundraising for Jewish educational projects were so significant that he was recognized as “Winnipeg Man of the Year” by The Jewish Foundation of Winnipeg in 1986. As a mark of appreciation, the city of Winnipeg named a street after him – Allan Blye Drive.

Blye leaves behind his wife Rita, brother Garry along with sister-in-law Susan, as well as his children Debra, Jeffrey, Rob, Kate, Charlie, and Sam. Additionally, he has three grandchildren named Julian, Jeremy, and Scarlett.

2024-10-06 21:16

Allan Blye, Emmy-Winning Writer for ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,’ ‘Van Dyke and Company,’ Dies at 87

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