Ben Starr

Benjamin Starr (October 18, 1921 – January 19, 2014) was an American television producer, creator, writer, and playwright. Born in Manhattan, New York, Starr grew up in Brooklyn and served in World War II as a second lieutenant navigator, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the military, he began writing comedy for radio stars such as Al Jolson, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and George Burns. Starr co-created the sitcom Silver Spoons and helped develop The Facts of Life. He was also a regular screenwriter for the popular series Mister Ed and All in the Family, and wrote for shows including Chico and the Man, Maude, The Andy Griffith Show, Petticoat Junction, and The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Starr is notably credited for writing The Brady Bunch episode 'The Impractical Joker.'