Hank Bradford, head writer for Johnny Carson’s ‘Tonight Show,’ dies at 88:
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Hank Bradford, Head Writer for Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, Dies at 88
Hank Bradford, a renowned comedy writer who served as head writer for “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and “The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers,” passed away on January 18 in Los Angeles, his family announced. He was 88 years old.
Bradford’s daughter Stephanie Brenowitz confirmed his death and revealed that the cause was congestive heart failure.
A Legacy in Late-Night Comedy
Hank Bradford held the position of head writer for Johnny Carson from 1970 to 1975. His impeccable sense of humor and his ability to maintain order in a profession known for its eccentricities endeared him to his fellow writers. According to his family, above his desk at The Tonight Show, there was a sign that read: ‘It left here funny.’
During his time as head writer, Bradford played a vital role in creating memorable moments on the show. He wrote material for iconic Carson skits such as Carnac the Magnificent. Bradford’s dedicated team scoured newspapers and magazines daily, gathering topical material that Carson could turn into countless jokes.
A Glimpse into Bradford’s Writing Room
Bill Majeski, a journalist and Carson writer, provided a glimpse into Bradford’s writing room in an article from August 1, 1971, in the New York Times. He described the writers’ reactions to interview notes for a karate team, including a cue for someone named Dr. U to break a cinder block with his head.
Majeski wrote, “Bradford looks around for comment. Someone grunts, ‘Better U than me.’ Bradford nods, types it on a card, presses a buzzer,” and a secretary swiftly takes the ad-lib away.
A Love Story at “The Tonight Show”
Bradford’s path crossed with his future wife Patricia Bradford when she worked as a talent coordinator for “The Tonight Show.” They tied the knot in 1971 in New York and later moved to Los Angeles with the show in 1972.
Success Beyond “The Tonight Show”
In addition to his work with Johnny Carson, Hank Bradford went on to become the head writer for “The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers” from 1986 to 1987. He also contributed to popular television shows such as “MASH” and “Three’s Company.”
A Remarkable Life and Career
Born Henry Brenowitz on May 7, 1935, in Brooklyn, Hank Bradford’s parents were Jewish refugees from Russian-occupied Poland. After earning an advertising degree from Long Island University, Bradford served as an intelligence analyst and radio host in Okinawa, Japan, during his time in the U.S. Army.
Upon returning to the United States, Bradford embarked on a career as a comedian. He performed at renowned nightclubs and variety shows, sharing the stage with notable acts such as Simon & Garfunkel, the Temptations, and Jack Jones.
Bradford used the stage name “Hank Bradford” during his comedy club tour in the 1960s due to prevalent anti-Semitism. His daughter, Stephanie Brenowitz, explained that her father performed in venues that were less welcoming to Jewish performers.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
After retiring from comedy writing, Hank Bradford co-founded a comedy troupe in 1992 called “Yarmy’s Army.” The group, named after Bradford’s friend Dick Yarmy, who was undergoing cancer treatment, toured the nation to support comedians in need.
Hank Bradford is survived by his wife, Patricia Bradford, their daughters Stephanie Brenowitz and Sally Bradford McKenna, their sons Matt Bohm and William McLaughlin, and five grandchildren.
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– Hank Bradford, head writer for Johnny Carson’s ‘Tonight Show,’ passes away at 88
– Late-night TV legend Hank Bradford, head writer for Johnny Carson’s ‘Tonight Show,’ dies at 88.
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