Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Earl Barret Dies: Sitcom Writer Who Co-Created Ted Knight Vehicle ‘Too Close For Comfort’ Was 94
Earl Barret, a television comedy writer who co-created the sitcom *Too Close for Comfort*, has died aged 94. He died of natural causes at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, on 22 October; his daughter J.K. Barret announced his death.
Across a career spanning about 30 years, Barret wrote for programmes including *Batman*, *Bewitched*, *The Andy Griffith Show*, *I Spy*, *Sanford and Son* and *Welcome Back, Kotter*. *Too Close for Comfort*, created with Brian Cooke and Arne Sultan, starred Ted Knight and ran for six seasons from 1980 to 1987. Barret was its executive producer and directed 13 episodes; he also co-wrote the 1989 film *See No Evil, Hear No Evil*.
In short
- Earl Barret, co-creator of *Too Close for Comfort*, has died aged 94.
- He wrote for a wide range of television comedies over three decades.
- The Ted Knight sitcom ran for six seasons, from 1980 to 1987.
Explained simply
Earl Barret was an American television comedy writer whose career spanned about 30 years. He wrote for a range of popular US programmes, including Batman, Bewitched and The Andy Griffith Show.
He co-created Too Close for Comfort with Brian Cooke and Arne Sultan. The sitcom starred Ted Knight and ran from 1980 to 1987; Barret also served as its executive producer and directed episodes.