Alan Kirschenbaum
Born(1961-04-19)April 19, 1961[1]
New York, U.S.
DiedOctober 26, 2012(2012-10-26) (aged 51)
Burbank, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Television producer and writer, harness horseman
Spouse(s)Vicki Juditz (?-his death; 1 child)
Parent(s)Freddie Roman
Ethel Kirschenbaum

Alan Kirschenbaum (April 19, 1961 – October 26, 2012) was an American television sitcom producer and writer.

Early life, family and education

Kirschenbaum was born in New York[1] to stand-up comedian Freddie Roman[2][3] (a.k.a. Fred Kirschenbaum)[4] and Ethel Kirschenbaum. He had a sister, Judi.[5] Alan's paternal great-grandfather owned the Crystal Springs Hotel in the Catskills, where Freddie Roman began performing.[4]

Alan attended high school in New City, New York in Rockland County.[6] He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business with a degree in marketing in 1983.[4][1]

Career

Television

His early work in television was as a writer for the Judd Hirsch sitcom Dear John[1] and the short-lived Everything's Relative.[3] He directed some episodes of the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond (created by his high school friend Philip Rosenthal)[4] and was the head writer for Coach for three seasons.[7] He was a writer for Baby Talk,[8] a co-creator, writer and producer of the sitcom Yes, Dear, a producer/writer on Raising Hope, creator of Down the Shore (hiring college friend Lew Schneider in the leading role and Phil Rosenthal to help with writing),[4] and co-creator of the unaired series Friend Me.[8] He was a producer on Stark Raving Mad (an episode of which his father appeared in as himself) and Center of the Universe.[4]

Other endeavors

Kirschenbaum was also very involved in the sport of harness racing. He worked as a racehorse trainer in college at Liberty Bell Race Track in Philadelphia and at the Meadowlands Racetrack[4] in northern New Jersey for three years[1] and reporter/commentator for ESPN[6] on their Breeders Crown broadcasts. Kirschenbaum was an owner and horse breeder for many years. Kirschenbaum was also a supporter of the California Sire Stakes for harness horses. He was a supporter of the California Harness Horseman's Association, serving as president, along with being an avid amateur driver, racing in several East vs. West Coast challenges.[9]

Additionally, Kirschenbaum worked as an instructor for the UCLA Extension Writers Program.[5]

Personal life

Kirschenbaum and his wife, actress and storyteller Vicki Juditz, had a daughter, Molly[1] (born c. 1999).[6]

He died by suicide on October 26, 2012.[8] He was found dead in his home in Burbank, California.[1] His funeral was in New City, New York.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Passings: Alan Kirschenbaum". Los Angeles Times. October 30, 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  2. ^ "Comedy writer Alan Kirschenbaum dies". Variety.com. 2012-10-27. Archived from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
  3. ^ a b Zakarin, Jordan (2012-10-27). "Comedy Showrunner Alan Kirschenbaum Dies at 51". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Strauss, Robert (August 31, 2012). "Luck and Timing, Dread and Relief". The Pennsylvania Gazette. University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  5. ^ a b Littleton, Cynthia (October 27, 2012). "Friends recall Kirschenbaum's gifts". Variety.com. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  6. ^ a b c Weinraub, Bernard (March 6, 2001). "Sharing Lives and Careers, Gee, Like Friends in a Sitcom". The New York Times. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  7. ^ "Sitcom vet dead at 51". New York Post. 2012-10-27. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
  8. ^ a b c Andreeva, Nellie (October 27, 2012). "R.I.P. Alan Kirschenbaum". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
  9. ^ a b "Alan Kirschenbaum, 51, dies". USTrotting.com. 2012-10-28. Archived from the original on 2013-10-15. Retrieved 2012-10-31.

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