Al Gordon

Al Gordon was born in Akron, Ohio in 1923 but moved to The Bronx as a child. He was the middle of three children, with an older brother and a younger sister. After finishing high school, Al joined the Air Corps and spent time on bases throughout the US before moving to Tersiera. A plane of entertainers arrived at his station, and several of the men in the barrack were writers. As they labored on a Broadway-bound show, APO Zoot, Al offered writing ideas and suggestions. One year later, these same writers flew Al to Hollywood, where he got his start as a radio writer for Jack Benny. From the time he started until he retired in the early 1990's, Al was employed every single television season. His knack for quick thinking, combined with his partner's speedy typing, powered his career in sitcoms. A pioneer in entertainment, Al won three Primetime Emmys and received nine nominations in his lifetime. Al was married to Charlotte Berkus (who was a first cousin twice removed to Nate Berkus) until her death in 2008. In the last eight years of her life, Al was her constant companion through a battle with Alzheimer's disease. They had two children: director/producer Neil Gordon and writer Jill Gordon. Al passed away suddenly in May 2012. His comedy expertise lives on in his grandchildren, including writer/actress 'Victoria Gordon (II)' and director Natalie Gordon.