Emmy-winning TV writer ("The Dick Van Dyke Show") and producer ("The Odd Couple") who crossed over to film in 1968, writing and producing the Debbie Reynolds vehicle "How Sweet it Is!" (1968) with partner Garry Marshall. Perhaps his finest work as a screenwriter came with "Smile" (1975), a marvelously pointed satire of the California beauty pageant scene.Belson made a disappointing directorial debut with "Jekyll & Hyde... Together Again" (1982) and fared only slightly better with the light romance, "Surrender" (1987).
Partnered with writer-director Garry Marshall and the duo wrote for "The Dick Van Dyke Show," (CBS) "The Lucy Show," (CBS) "The Danny Thomas Show," (ABC/CBS) "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," (CBS) "The Joey Bishop Show" (ABC) and "Hey Landlord," (NBC) which they created.
1968
Film co-writing and co-producing debut (with Garry Marshall), "How Sweet It Is!"
1970
Created "The Odd Couple" (ABC), serving as executive producer for the sitcom, which starred Tony Randall and Jack Klugman
1982
Feature film directing debut (also co-writer), "Jekyll & Hyde... Together Again"
