Chris Bearde

Chris Bearde (18 June 1936 – 23 April 2017) was an Australian comedy writer, producer and director. He was best known for his work as a writer on the 1960s hit "Laugh-In" and for co-writing and producing TV specials for Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Sonny Bono, Cher, Bill Cosby, Steve Martin, Jim Carrey, Andy Williams, Michael Jackson, The Osmonds, Dinah Shore, Diana Ross, and Lucille Ball. He also created the format for the original "The Gong Show". He also created "That's My Mama" and "Sherman Oaks".
Bearde died suddenly at his home in Westlake Village, California from a heart attack on 23 April 2017 at the age of 80.