Ed Simmons

Ed Simmons began his writing career partnering with Norman Lear to write a monologue for Danny Thomas. The two went on to write for the Ford Star Revue starring Jack Haley, The Colgate Comedy Hour with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, and the Martha Raye show. After he and Mr. Lear ended their partnership, he went on to write for such stars as George Gobel, Dinah Shore, Red Skelton and Tom Jones. He wrote for Jerry Lewis's variety show in the 1960s, and he is credited with creating the "drunk" lounge singer act for Dean Martin when he went solo. The pinnacle of Mr. Simmons's career was in the 1970s, when he was the head writer/producer for the Carol Burnett show, winning five Emmys. Mr. Simmons was married and divorced three times, and had two children.