Remembering Sitcom Writer, Director and Producer Gary Menteer; HBO Comedy Returns Feb. 21

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Remembering Sitcom Writer, Director and Producer Gary Menteer; HBO Comedy Returns Feb. 21

Writer, director and producer Gary Menteer, who worked on Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Punky Brewster and Family Matters, has died. He died on January 18 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. Mr. Menteer was 76.

Menteer directed episodes of Laverne & Shirley, Punky Brewster, She's the Sheriff, Family Matters and Malcolm & Eddie. He worked as a choreographer on two episodes of Blansky's Beauties and the "Be My Valentine" episode of Happy Days.

His sitcom writing credits included Joanie Loves Chachi, Second Chance, Punky Brewster, On Our Own, Built to Last, Family Matters, Malcolm & Eddie and Eve.

He served as an executive producer for Family Matters from 1990 to 1998. His other producing credits included Blansky's Beauties, Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Joanie Loves Chachi, Second Chance, Punky Brewster, On Our Own, and Malcolm & Eddie.

He shared two Emmy nominations for Punky Brewster for Outstanding Children's Program in 1985 and 1986. He was interviewed for the E! True Hollywood Story on Punky Brewster in 2006.

Menteer worked as an actor in his earlier days. He appeared in musical films such as Bye Bye Birdie, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Mary Poppins, Inside Daisy Clover, Finian's Rainbow, Hello, Dolly and Funny Lady. He performed in many musical variety shows such as The Judy Garland Show, The Danny Kaye Show, The Dean Martin Show and The Julie Andrews Hour.

Survivors include his husband, Joe Cvar, and his nephews and nieces David, Lisa, Diana, Lauri and Tara.

Mr. Menteer was a frequent collaborator of Garry Marshall. We thank him for the entertainment he brought us over the years. He will be greatly missed.

Togetherness

After Brett and Michelle nearly reached their breaking points, the season one finale of Togetherness saw Michelle kissing David while Brett was driving to Sacramento to declare his commitment to her. Season two reveals how the evening played out. Meanwhile, Michelle pushes ahead with her charter school plans as Brett looks for artistic inspiration. Following his big acting break, Alex returns from New Orleans reinvigorated. Tina presses herself to figure out what her life should look like. Through it all, this makeshift family continues to face the hilarity and anxieties of everyday life, while proving that they're truly at their best when they're together.

Created by Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass & Steve Zissis, the eight-episode sophomore season of comedy Togetherness debuts Sunday, Feb. 21 from 10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT, exclusively on HBO. Blending laughter and pathos, the comedy series follows four adults nearing 40, trying to balance both their relationships and their individual dreams. In addition to writer, director and producer Mark Duplass (The League), who stars as Brett Pierson, the cast of Togetherness includes Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men) as Michelle Pierson, Amanda Peet (Sleeping with Other People) as Tina Morris, Steve Zissis (Baghead) as Alex Pappas and Abby Ryder Fortson (Transparent) as Sophie. Guest stars on the second season of Togetherness include Peter Gallagher (Covert Affairs) as Larry, John Ortiz (HBO's Luck) as David, Joshua Leonard (Bates Motel) as Dudley, Ginger Gonzaga (Ted) as Christy, Emily Althaus (Orange Is the New Black) as Natalie and Katie Aselton (The League) as Anna.

Sitcoms Airing Tonight

Wednesday, October 5

The Conners - "Driving, Dating and Deceit" (ABC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Mark is anxious to get his driver’s license when a job opportunity presents itself across town. Darlene attempts to teach him to drive, but her frantic energy sends him running to Ben for help. Meanwhile, Harris meets a new guy online, whom Becky recognizes from her past.

The Golbergs - "Jenkintown After Dark" (ABC, 8:30PM ET/PT)
Despite promising to keep distance from Brea so they can each establish themselves at college, Adam calls her, sending Beverly into a tailspin. Meanwhile, Joanne lands a coveted job at a posh Philly law firm and Barry takes full advantage of the perks of her new gig, blinding him from the reality of the situation.

Abbott Elementary - "Story Samurai" (ABC, 9:00PM ET/PT)
A traveling storytelling troupe Jacob used to be in visits Abbott Elementary for a day of education and entertainment. Jacob can’t wait to share this part of his past with his colleagues; but when he realizes they think the performers are corny, Janine does her best to help him embrace his nerdy side. Meanwhile, Melissa struggles with the new normal of her combined second and third grade class.

Home Economics - "Sushi for Twelve, $482 Plus Delivery" (ABC, 9:30PM ET/PT)
With a house full of Hayworths, nothing is off limits for discussion – including Tom and Marina’s lives in, and out, of the bedroom. Connor’s patience as host is running thin so as a thank you, Sarah and Denise strategize a creative way to show their appreciation.

Complete TV Listings

Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of October 3)

Wednesday, October 5

Kevin Nealon (Man with a Plan/Weeds/Hiller and Diller/Champs) - Watch Kevin on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon at 11:35pm on NBC.
Kelly Ripa (Hope & Faith) - Kelly appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Fred Armisen (Los Espookys/Forever/Final Space), Ana Fabrega (Los Espookys) and Julio Torres (Los Espookys) - Fred, Ana and Julio are guests on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
Cedric the Entertainer (The Neighborhood/The Last O.G./The Soul Man/The Steve Harvey Show) - Cedric appears on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
Lena Dunham (Girls) - Lena is a guest on The Late Late Show with James Corden at 12:37am on CBS.
Jennifer Tilly (Out of Practice) - Jennifer appears on Watch What Happens: Live at 3:30am on Bravo.
Lea Thompson (Caroline in the City) - Lea is a guest on LIVE! with Kelly and Ryan, so check your listings.
Kal Penn (Sunnyside/Deadbeat/We Are Men/How I Met Your Mother) - Kal discusses his impressive journey from former White House staffer and actor to author, and why he chose to share details about his engagement to his fiancé, Josh, in his book, You Can't Be Serious, on Tamron Hall, so check your local istings.
Utkarsh Ambudkar (Ghosts/White Famous) - Utkarsh talks about Ghosts on CBS Mornings sometime between 7-9am.
Wendell Pierce (The Odd Couple/The Michael J. Fox Show/The Weber/The Brian Benben Show/The Gregory Hines Show) - Wendell talks about Death of a Salesman on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
Tamera Mowry-Housley (Sister, Sister/Roommates) - Tamera talks about You Should Sit Down For This on NBC's Today in the 10am hour.