RIP Kathryn Fuller

FULLER, Kathryn Virginia

Kathryn Fuller of La Cañada Flintridge, actress and member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAGAFTRA) - and Actors' Equity Association (AEA)-who was affectionately known to her family as "America's Favorite Actress"-passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2012, due to natural causes. She was 89. Services and interment were conducted May 31, 2012, at Mountain View Chapel in Altadena
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Kathryn was born on June 5, 1922, in Delaware, Ohio to Gilbert and Ruth Eagon. She earned a degree in Theatre Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University. There, during the Second World War, she met her future husband, Mark H. Fuller, who was then enrolled in the U.S. Navy V-12 Unit at Ohio Wesleyan. They were married in July, 1945, at Christ Church in New York City. Following the War, Kathryn and Mark resided in California; they lived in Altadena, Arcadia, South Pasadena, and then for 52 years in La Cañada Flintridge.

Kathryn began a professional acting career with performances at the Pasadena Playhouse, Theatre Americana (Altadena), and Glendale Centre Theatre. Eventually she would make many appearances on television, in films and on stage. She was a gifted actress, director and writer-but Kathryn will also be remembered as a loving wife and mother, with four sons and two daughters. She managed a busy household that often included extended family members. 

For over 40 years, Kathryn and her family were active members of Holliston United Methodist Church; she taught pre-school at Holliston's Merryland Nursery School. She volunteered in her community, reading books at local schools and directing theater for non-profits-such as Foothill Service Club for The Blind, where she directed a play cast entirely with blind actors.

In over 50 years of work, Kathryn influenced the careers of fellow actors and touched the hearts of many. In 1962, she was a co-founder of Studio Theatre Playhouse in Los Angeles, which today remains a venue for new theatrical talent. As a playwright, she authored: "Lightning in the South" (from the life of Mary Todd Lincoln) and co-authored "Lutie" (a comedic romp set in New Orleans). Both premiered at Glendale Centre Theatre. Her many performances with The Colony at Studio Theatre Playhouse included: Terrence Shank's adaptation of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath", Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey into Night," and the world stage premier of Ray Bradbury's "The Martian Chronicles." When "The Grapes of Wrath" was picked up by the Louisville Regional Equity Theatre, Kathryn was cast in the featured role of "Mama" for an extended run.

On television, Kathryn's recurring roles included Mabel Cummings in "Days of Our Lives," Mrs. Shellenback on "Happy Days," and Mrs. McGregor on "Valerie's Family." Numerous other appearances included "Laverne & Shirley," "Little House on the Prairie," "Highway to Heaven," "Remington Steele," and "Newhart". Her favorite motion picture role was that of Faye Kennedy in "Yes, Georgio" co-starring with Luciano Pavarotti.
Kathryn is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Sue Jacobs. She is survived by her husband Mark; sister Meredith Rode and brother Richard Eagon; children, Mike (Tina), Elin Alto (John), Scott (Susanne), Tim (Gail), Babette Coverdale (John) and Matt (Shyrlee), eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is loved and missed by all.

FULLER, Kathryn (Kathryn Virginia Fuller) 
Born: 6/5/1922, Delaware, Ohio, U.S.A.
Died: 5/24/2012, La Cañada Flintridge, California, U.S.A.

Kathryn Fuller's western - actress:
Little House on the Prairie (TV) - 1981 (Miss Ott)
 

RIP Robert L. Morgan

MORGAN, Robert Lloyd, In loving memory of Robert Lloyd Morgan born in Tucson, AZ. September 27, 1957 to Donald and Sue Morgan departed June 13, 2012. A devoted husband, friend and father, Navy Airmen, Stunt professional, a stranger is a friend he hadn't met. Bob is survived by his wife, Stefanie Morgan and children, Anna M. Keith, Jessica J. McPeak, Madison L. McPeak, Brooke A. McPeak, Cole G. McPeak and his mother, Sue Myers, brother, sister and two grandchildren. As you ride into that eternal sunset, know the hoof prints left behind will forever be in our hearts. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2012 at the Savoy Opera House, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd. (Pinnacle Peak Trail Dust Town). Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY.

MORGAN, Robert Lloyd

Born: 9/27/1957, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A.

Died: 6/13/2012, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A.

Robert L. Morgan’s westerns – actor:

Miracle at Sage Creek – 2005 (cavalry officer)

The Adventures of Loop & Rhett – 2011 (Lawrence)

RIP Don Grady

Don Grady -- who played one of the sons on the TV classic, "My Three Sons" -- has died at the age of 68 ... this according to one of his co-stars.

"Sons" star Barry Livingston just posted on Facebook, "My dear friend and TV brother Don Grady passed away today. He was an inspiration to me in so many ways."

Grady had reportedly been suffering from cancer.

Grady was an original Mouseketeer on the "Mickey Mouse Club"  ... before going on to play the role of  Robbie Douglas on "My Three Sons" from 1960 to 1972.

Grady was also a pretty successful musician ... he's credited with writing the music for the Ellen Barkin movie "Switch" ... and the theme song for "The Phil Donahue Show."

GRADY, Don (Don Louis Agrati)

Born: 6/8/1944, San Diego, California, U.S.A.

Died: 6/27/2012, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Don Grady’s westerns – actor:

The New Adventures of Spin and Marty (TV) – 1957 (Don

The Restless Gun (TV) – 1958, 1959 (Donny Madison, Sylvester Cromwell III, Andy Cavis)

Buckskin (TV) – 1959 (Mike Delany)

Wichita Town (TV) – 1959 (Arnie Slocum)

Zane Grey Theater (TV) – 1959 (Rob Faring, Zachary)

Law of the Plainsman (TV) – 1959 (Clint)

The Rifleman (TV) – 1959, 1960 (Jeff Barrows, David Chase)

Wagon Train (TV) – 1960 (George)

Have Gun – Will Travel (TV) – 1960 (Lawson)

RIP Doris Singleton

Actress Doris Singleton Isaacs dies
Recurred on 'I Love Lucy' as Carolyn Appleby
By Variety Staff



Actress and comedienne Doris Singleton Isaacs, who recurred on "I Love Lucy" as Lucy's near-sighted neighbor and sometimes nemesis Carolyn Appleby, died Tuesday. She was 92.
Singleton guested in a large number of both comedies and dramas during her 30-plus career in television.

After performing as a featured dancer with the American Ballet Theater in her teens, the Brooklyn-born Dorthea Singleton began in showbiz as a vocalist with Art Jarrett's orchestra in the late 1930s. Her distinctive voice led to a career in radio, where she was an actress on "The Whistler" and other shows during WWII, performing at times with the likes of George Burns & Gracie Allens, Bob Hope and Jack Benny.

Singleton met Lucille Ball in the late 1940s during a performance of the radio show "My Favorite Husband"; a few years later, Ball invited Singleton to join the cast of TV's "I Love Lucy" as Carolyn Appleby. Singleton appeared on 10 episodes of the show from 1953 to 1957.

By the mid-1950s the actress was busy with TV guest appearances on programs including "Adventures of Superman," "The Loretta Young Show," "The Great Gildersleeve," "The Bob Hope Show" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."

Singleton also appeared in a few feature films during the 1950s: "Terror at Midnight," "Affair in Reno" and "Voice in the Mirror."

She was a series regular on the brief 1960 series "Angel," recurred on "My Three Sons" as Margaret Williams and guested on "The Munsters," "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." during the decade; she also returned to work with Ball on episodes of "The Lucy Show" and "Here's Lucy" as well as the 1980 telepic "Lucy Moves to NBC," and she made appearances on dramas including "Gunsmoke," "Twilight Zone," "The Fugitive" and "The F.B.I."

Her credits during the 1970s included "All in the Family," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Phyllis" and the daytime soap "Days of Our Lives." Singleton made one of her last appearances in a 1982 episode of "Dynasty."

Singleton also appeared as an interviewee in the "American Masters" documentary "Finding Lucy" in 2000 and in an "E! True Hollywood Story" episode devoted to "I Love Lucy" in 2005.

Singleton's husband Charles Isaacs, a comedy writer, director and producer to whom she was married for 61 years, died in 2002.

SINGLETON, Doris (Dothea Singleton)
Born: 9/7/1919, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
Died: 6/26/2012, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Doris Singleton's westerns - actress:
Trackdown (TV) - 1958 (Inez Bard)
Frontier Doctor (TV) - 1958 (Laura Jones)
Gunsmoke (TV) - 1962 (Irma)

RIP Ethel Rojo

Ethel Rojo was born in Ethel Rojo Castro Santiago in Santiago del Estero, Argentina on December 23, 1937. Shee had an outstanding career as a star, acting in major roles in film, theater and television.

On several occasions she worked with his sister, the renowned Gogo Rojo and with her formed a stage company.

From an early age she was attracted by the art world. She studied classical dance and was chosen in Santiago del Estero as Queen of the Work.

With this award, she was able to travel to Buenos Aires and take a screen test on Channel 7 in 1954. There, at only 17 years of age, was hired as a dancer in the Maipo, wheres he served for five years until she went to Spain.

On her return to Buenos Aires, dazzled in different venues such as the Maipo, The National, Stars and Astros. In 1973 he was a leading figure in "Maipo Superstar" with her sister and Dringue Farias.

In 2006 she appeared in the work of Cibrian-Mahler Edelweiss, a song to life and, in 2008, had her own tribute to Ethel Red "For the love of Maipo".

One of her recent successes was in 2010, "Burnet, the family," a musical based on the lives of Lucia and Joaquin. Ethel Rojo starred as the mother of the brothers. The work was removed from Billboard December 4, 2010 and became the most nominated work that year.

She worked in television and movies: This naughty redhead (1963), Minnesota Clay (Italy, 1965), The Overture (1977), Mingo and Hannibal Meet Frankenstein (1985) and Louise (2009). In 2011, she worked with Ricardo Fort.

On a personal level, in November 2008 she and Gerardo Gonzalez married after 26 years together.

 

 

ROJO, Ethel (Ethel Inés Rojo Castro)

Born: 12/23/1937, Santiago del Estero, Argentina

Died: 6/24/2012, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ethel Rojo's westerns - actress:

Minnesota Clay – 1964 (Estella)

Heroes of Fort Grant – 1965 (Tabaly)

Undo edits

RIP Joan Scott

By Elaine Woo, Los Angeles Times

June 27, 2012, 12:03 p.m.

In 1950s Hollywood, screenwriter Joan Scott seemed so adept at turning out tough-guy scripts that she became known as "the girl who writes like a man."

What the studios didn't know was she wasn't the writer. Her husband was.

She was married to Adrian Scott, the screenwriter who was blacklisted after refusing to cooperate with the communist-hunting House Un-American Activities Committee. Cited for contempt of Congress, he went to prison as one of the Hollywood 10.

When he was released he was unemployable, so Scott became his "front," taking his work to story conferences, keeping track of the revisions and giving him the notes at home so he could do the rewriting. When his work made it onto television shows, she took the credit under a pseudonym, Joanne Court.

Those were bitter years with one unintended benefit: "It was how I learned to be a writer," she told The Times years later.

Scott, who had a colorful career in her own right scripting stories for such popular shows as "Lassie" and "Have Gun – Will Travel," died June 19 in Woodland Hills, said her friend, Candy Tanaka. She was 91 and had vascular dementia.

Blacklisted herself, Scott fought to gain proper recognition of her work from the Writers Guild of America, which in 1980 began restoring credits to the authors of hundreds of screenplays who had been forced to use aliases or "fronts" during the McCarthy era. She was a technical advisor with a small walk-on part in the 1991 blacklist film "Guilty by Suspicion," which starred Robert De Niro.

In the 1990s the guild changed the screenwriting credits for the 1962 MGM release "Cairo" and the 1960 Disney film "The Magnificent Rebel" from Joanne Court to Joan Scott.

"She had a bitter life to some degree," said Patrick McGilligan, a historian who co-authored the 1997 oral history of the blacklist era "Tender Comrades." "I think of her as a stand-in for all the wives—and, in some cases, husbands—who were affected by the blacklist profoundly, horribly in her case, and never found their voice. Joan found her voice partly as a consequence of the blacklist, as a front for her husband. She emerged as a very sharp writer in her own right, not Oscar-nominated or famous but with a very interesting career."

She was born Joan LaCour in Long Branch, N.J., on May 21, 1921. Her mother performed in vaudeville, which led to a peripatetic childhood. Her father deserted the family when she and her identical twin sister were 2.

As the Depression deepened, she moved with family to Los Angeles around 1934 and attended Hollywood High School.

After World War II, when her disastrous first marriage to an Army lieutenant ended, she joined the left-leaning Hollywood Independent Citizens Committee of the Arts, Sciences and Professions as a volunteer and later as a staff member. She also joined the Communist Party but quit after six months.

In the early 1950s, she was executive secretary of the Television Writers of America union when a Hollywood columnist wrote an attack piece alleging Scott was part of a plot to get Communist propaganda into TV scripts. She was blacklisted and called to testify before the House committee investigating subversives in the movie and television industries.

She met Adrian Scott at a rally for the Hollywood 10 and began dating him after he was released from prison in 1951. In 1955 they were married at the home of another Hollywood 10 member, screenwriter Dalton Trumbo.

Adrian, who had produced the Oscar-winning 1947 movie "Crossfire," struggled writing story lines for comic books until he decided to try the then-new medium of television.

Many writers in his boat had turned to fronts in order to make a living, but the Scotts knew that was risky; some fronts were trustworthy but others, she said, "rooked you completely, shamelessly."

They eventually decided that Scott, who had been working as a typist, was the best person for the job. "It was a mistake in a lot of ways," she said in the oral history for McGilligan. "There were times when it almost severed our marriage. Then again, there were times when it also saved us."

She began fronting for her husband in 1955 on "Lassie," the popular children's series featuring the adventures of a brave collie and his young master. One night when Adrian and his story editor were stumped for ideas, she came up with one they loved. From then on, she wrote for the show herself.

"There were funny things about writing for that show," she told McGilligan. "You had to learn to think like a dog. We used to say, 'Lassie is classy, not like Flipper,' " a reference to the 1960s-era series about an adventure-loving pet dolphin.

She felt the strains of leading a double life, writing for "Lassie" while fronting for Adrian on other shows, including "Meet McGraw," "77 Sunset Strip" and "Surfside Six." Often he would explode in anger when she came back from story meetings with changes the producers wanted in his scripts.

One time she almost blew her cover in a story conference when she was asked about a crucial plot change that he had forgotten to tell her about. "I had to do all this double-talk until I'd got the producers so bewildered that they gave up and let it go," she told The Times in 1997.

Her husband eventually began writing under his own name again but his work went uncredited. He was only 61 when he died of cancer on Christmas Day in 1972.

"He'd had too much despair and disappointment," Scott said in 1997. "He died of cancer, but in my mind it was the blacklist that really killed him."

Scott, who had no children, is survived by her sister, Jean LaCour of Topanga; and a nephew, Doug Scott of Ann Arbor, Mich.

After her husband's death, Scott continued her career, writing for daytime soap operas and prime-time hits such as "The Waltons" and "Marcus Welby, M.D." She wrote an unpublished memoir, which she named, with a large measure of irony, "Adrian's Wife."

SCOTT, Joan (Joan LaCour)
Born: 5/21/1921, Long Branch, New York, U.S.A.
Died: 6/19/2012, Woodland Hills, California, U.S.A.

Joan Scott's western - screenwriter:
Have Gun - Will Travel (TV) - 1958, 1962
 

RIP Lloyd 'Bud' Friedgen

Friedgen, Bud (Lloyd) March 10, 1937 - June 24, 2012 Bud Friedgen, Producer and Director of "That's Entertainment III," passed away June 24th at the Motion Picture Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was 75. Bud, a native Californian, was the member of a motion picture family that dates back to the silent era, and the son of Elva Fraser, a post production legend. Bud was a star athlete at Hollywood High before starting his career as an Apprentice Film Editor on the series "Gunsmoke." Becoming an Editor he joined the new production company created by David Wolper in 1958. There Bud began his love of documentaries and edited numerous theatrical and television productions resulting in awards that included an Academy Award nomination. Bud then joined forces with the MGM documentary division where he received an Emmy as Producer and Editor of the award winning "MGM The Dream Factory." When "That's Entertainment" was planned to celebrate MGM's 50th anniversary, Bud creatively edited the vast amounts of MGM's famous musicals from 1920-1950 into one of the industry's best loved pictures. He was awarded the Editor's Guild highest award, an Eddie, for his excellent work. Two years later "That's Entertainment II" followed with comedy and drama scenes included. Bud, knowing there was still valuable footage in the MGM vault, including scenes that had never been seen, convinced the studio's executives to make "That's Entertainment III" completing the popular trilogy. Bud's additional credits for the last movie were Screenwriter and Editor. Among Bud's vast theatrical and television credits, over a 50 year career, were "This is Elvis," "Imagine:John Lennon," "That's Dancing," "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh," "Let The Good Times Roll," "Hooray for Hollywood," a Director on Warner Bros. ten hour documentary "History of Rock and Roll" and an Emmy and an Eddie for "The Blue and the Gray" mini-series. Bud was honorably discharged from the Navy Reserve and a member of ACE, Director's Guild, Writer's Guild and Editor's Guild. Bud was the loving father of four children, Ruth, Peter, Rebecca and grandchild James who he legally adopted as his son. He will be truly missed as an extraordinary and beloved brother by Elliot (Dianne) Friedgen, Christina (Ken) Koch and Mary Fraser. A memorial service will be held at Village Church, 3216 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank, Friday, June 29th at Noon. Donations may be sent to the Motion Picture and Television Fund, attention Palliative Care, to whom the family is eternally grateful.

FRIEDGEN, Bud (Lloyd Friedgen)
Born: 3/10/1937, California, U.S.A.
Died: 6/24/2012, Woodland Hills, California, U.S.A.

Bud Friedgen's westerns - film editor:
Gunsmoke (TV) - 19??
The Shadow Riders (TV) - 1982

RIP K.S.R. Doss

Kannada film director KSR Doss passes away

Well-known south Indian filmmaker-editor KSR Doss, credited with successful movies in all southern languages, died in Chennai Friday evening. He was 75. He died at the Apollo Hospital where he was admitted for treatment of age-related health problems.

Terming the successful director's death as a great tragedy to the south Indian film industry, actor-filmmaker Dwarakish, who has made several Kannada and Tamil films, remembers Doss as a great human being and a talented director. "In the year 1975, I brought Doss to the Kannada film industry to direct an action entertainer like 'Kalla Kulla' which was a runaway success.

"He directed several commercially successful Kannada films later. He was always a producer's director," said Dwarakish. He also said Doss made several blockbusters with southern stars like NTR, Rajinikanth, Dr. Vishnuvardhan, Krishna, Ambareesh and Shankar Nag.

Film director D. Rajendra Babu, who worked with Doss as an associate director in many projects, described the latter as his mentor. "Doss was a film technician with exceptional talents. He taught me everything from editing, direction, shot composing in film direction and also how to behave with top stars, cine technicians and producers. He treated me like his own son," said Babu.

"Doss sir's death is a big tragedy in my life," added Babu. K.V. Chandrashekhar, president, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, said Doss made great contributions to the Kannada film industry.

Doss, born in a small town of Andhra Pradesh, directed more than 20 Kannada films. He did many films with Telugu top stars NTR, Krishna (more than 30 films), Chiranjeevi and Shobhan Babu. He also directed Tamil and Malayalam films. Doss started his film career as an assistant editor to become one of the most sought after film directors in the south. He directed about 100 films in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.

Doss, who received the prestigious Puttanna Kanagal award, stayed in Bangalore for a long time and moved to Chennai just a few years ago. His other films include 'Sahodarara Savaal', 'Snehithara Savaal', 'Chinnadhantha Maga', 'Bangaaradha Gudi' and the superhit film 'Khaidhi, which gave a major lift to Dr. Vishnuvardhan's career. Doss directed 12 films with Vishnu and one successful film 'Thirugubaana' with Ambareesh.

He was also credited with introducing women-oriented, full-length action movies with 'Rowdy Rani' (1970) and cowboy movie 'Mosagallaki Mosagadu' (1971).

DOSS, K.S.R.

Born: 1/5/1936, Andra Pradesh, Nellore District, India

Died: 6/8/2012, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

K.S.R. Doss’ western – director:

Mosagallaki Mosagadu - 1971

Pilla? Piduga? – 1972
Gunfighter Johnny - 1972
 

RIP Juan Luis Galiardo

Spanish actor Juan Luis Galiardo has died.

The actor had a successful career, which included more than one hundred films, theater and many television series, and worked until his last days, combining the filming of the series 'Grand Hotel', which is scheduled to return in fall to Antena 3, with the end of the tour of 'The Miser', his last and successful theater project. The actor's body will be cremated and burial will be held privately. The family has made a request to all friends and journalists to respect this request and thanked them for the affection received in recent days.

Juan Luis Galiardo Comes, was born in San Roque (Cadiz) on March 2, 1940, he participated in more than one hundred projects since his beginning in the world of acting, debuting with a role as a leading man in 1960 and after leaving studying Agricultural Economics and Engineering in Madrid.  That record as one of the leading men of Spanish cinema led him to make the leap abroad, especially in Mexico, where he played various roles and developed a large television audience. On his return to Spain he co-founded a production company with several friends, Penelope Films, responsible for the film “El disputado voto del señor Cayo” (1986), by Antonio Giménez Rico, and the TV series “Turno de oficio”, which launched the actor John Echanove, with whom he formed a partnership in Spanish cinema, they worked together in Spain, and Portugal. Throughout his career he combined leading roles with secondary characters. Titles like “Soldadito español” (1988) by Antonio Giménez Rico, “Don Juan, mi querido fantasma “ (1989) by Antonio Mercer, “Pajarico” (1997) by Carlos Saura, and more recently “El caballero Don Quijote” (2002) by Manuel Gutiérrez Aragon, and “El oro de Moscú” (2002) by Jesus Bonilla, which gives a good account of the variety of films of his prolific career.

GALIARDO, Juan Luis (Juan Luis Galiardo Comes)

Born: 3/2/1940, San Roque, Cádiz, Andalucía, Spain

Died: 6/22/2012, Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Juan Luis Galiardo’s westerns – actor:

Billy the Kid – 1963

Sword of Zorro – 1963 (Felipe) [as Robert Dean]

The Two Sergeants of General Custer – 1965 (Rudy Curtis)

The Call of the Wild - 1972 (Seze)

RIP Richard Adler

Composer, lyricist Richard Adler dies at 90 in NY

NEW YORK (AP) — Composer and lyricist Richard Adler, who won Tony Awards for co-writing snappy and infectious, songs for such hit Broadway musicals as ‘‘The Pajama Game’’ and ‘‘Damn Yankees’’ and who staged and produced President John F. Kennedy’s birthday celebration featuring a breathy Marilyn Monroe, has died. He was 90.

Adler died Thursday at his home in Southampton, N.Y., his widow, Susan A. Ivory, said.

Some of Adler’s biggest songs are ‘‘You Gotta Have Heart,’’ ‘'Hey, There,’’ ‘'Hernando’s Hideaway,’’ ‘'Whatever Lola Wants,’’ ‘'Steam Heat,’’ ‘'Rags to Riches,’’ and ‘‘Everybody Loves a Lover.’’

Adler staged and produced several shows for U.S. presidents, including the unforgettable 1962 extravaganza for Kennedy at Madison Square Garden where Monroe sang ‘‘Happy Birthday.’’

He and Jerry Ross wrote the music and lyrics to ‘‘The Pajama Game,’’ a light comedy about labor-management relations at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory, which won the best musical Tony in 1955.

In a 2006 interview with The Associated Press, Adler recounted how the song ‘‘Hernando’s Hideaway’’ began from ‘‘The Pajama Game.’’ The show’s authors, George Abbott and Richard Bissell, needed a tune for the second act, and Abbott approached Adler.

‘‘He said, ‘Write a song that can be performed in a dimly lit, smoke-filled nightclub with a lot of fervent-looking people. Oh, and make it Latin,'’’ Adler said. ‘‘It was a piece of cake for me.’’

What emerged was a frothy Latin tango with the lyrics: ‘‘I know a dark secluded place/A place where no one knows your face/A glass of wine a fast embrace/It’s called Hernando’s Hideaway... Ole!’’

The song went on to have a successful life outside the theater, hitting the top of the pop charts and later being recorded by Archie Blyer, band leader Billy May and even Ella Fitzgerald.

Did Adler think it would be a hit? ‘‘No. I had no idea,’’ he said.

Adler teamed up with Ross again for ‘‘Damn Yankees,’’ in which a rabid baseball fan sells his soul to the devil in exchange for a chance to lead his favorite team to American League pennant glory. It won the best musical Tony crown the next year.

The fruitful Ross-Adler union ended when Ross died of a lung ailment in 1955 at age 29. Adler went on to earn a Tony nomination for writing the lyrics and music for 1961’s ‘‘Kwamina.’’

Adler was born in New York City in 1921 and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1943. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II.

He composed several symphonic works, including ‘‘Wilderness Suite,’’ which was commissioned by the U.S. Department of the Interior, and ‘‘The Lady Remembers,’’ to celebrate the Statue of Liberty’s centennial. He also composed two ballets for the Chicago City Ballet: ‘‘Eight by Adler’’ in 1984 and ‘‘Chicago.’’

Adler also produced works on Broadway, including the play ‘‘The Sin of Pat Muldoon’’ and the musical ‘‘Rex.’’ He is a member of the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

Adler is survived by his wife; his children, Andrew Adler, Katherine Adler and Charles Shipman; and three grandchildren, Damien and Scarlett Adler and Lola Jane Shipman

ADLER, Richard

Born: 8/3/1921, New York City, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 4/21/2012, Southampton, New York, U.S.A.

Richard Adler’s western – composer:

Daniel Boone (TV) - 1970