Earl Barret, ‘Too Close for Comfort’ Writer and Producer, Dies at 94
Veteran comedy writer and producer Earl Barret, who co-developed the sitcom *Too Close for Comfort*, has died aged 94. His work across more than 30 television series helped shape American comedy over several decades, including programmes such as *Get Smart*, *Bewitched* and *The Andy Griffith Show*.
Barret died of natural causes at his home in Sherman Oaks on 22 October, his daughter J.K. Barret said. With writing partner Arne Sultan, he developed *Too Close for Comfort*, which ran for six seasons from 1980 to 1987 and followed cartoonist Henry Rush and his family. Barret also co-created the *Batman* villain King Tut with Robert C. Dennis, and is survived by his wife, two children and five grandsons.
In short
- Comedy writer Earl Barret has died aged 94.
- He co-developed six-season sitcom *Too Close for Comfort*.
- His credits spanned more than 30 television series.
Explained simply
American television sitcoms became a familiar part of evening entertainment in the decades after the Second World War, with writers and producers creating shows around families, workplaces and comic characters. Earl Barret worked in this industry across more than 30 series, including *Get Smart*, *Bewitched* and *The Andy Griffith Show*.
Barret often worked with other writers, including Arne Sultan, with whom he developed *Too Close for Comfort*, a sitcom about cartoonist Henry Rush and his family. He also helped create King Tut, a villain who appeared in the *Batman* television series.