Television Screenwriter. He will be remembered for his behind-the-scenes contributions to the TV programs "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "That Girl." Born into a Jewish family, he became acquainted with the piano during his early youth and following his attending at Adelphia College, Denoff attempted to make a career as a songwriter. In 1954 he joined NBC, initially as a page with WNEW Radio and advanced to a jingles writer for personality William B. Williams, where he met Bill Persky with who formed a successful and lengthy writing partnership. They moved on to television during the early 1960s and share two Emmy Awards for "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1964 and 1966). The pair would be approached by Marlo Thomas to devise a program for the actress and the result was the groundbreaking "That Girl" (1966 to 1971), which centered around a single and independent woman as the main character. In addition, Denoff drew from his songwriting skills (along with Earle Hagen) to pen the series' catchy theme song. Among their other credits include "Good Morning World" (1967 to 1968, which featured Goldie Hawn) and "Lotsa Luck" (1973, starring Dom Deluise). Their collaboration ended during the 1970s, when Persky went on to become a successful TV director. Denoff would contribute to various awards programs and serve as a creative consultant with Jerry Lewis for his annual muscular dystrophy telethon. He died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Television Screenwriter. He will be remembered for his behind-the-scenes contributions to the TV programs "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "That Girl." Born into a Jewish family, he became acquainted with the piano during his early youth and following his attending at Adelphia College, Denoff attempted to make a career as a songwriter. In 1954 he joined NBC, initially as a page with WNEW Radio and advanced to a jingles writer for personality William B. Williams, where he met Bill Persky with who formed a successful and lengthy writing partnership. They moved on to television during the early 1960s and share two Emmy Awards for "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1964 and 1966). The pair would be approached by Marlo Thomas to devise a program for the actress and the result was the groundbreaking "That Girl" (1966 to 1971), which centered around a single and independent woman as the main character. In addition, Denoff drew from his songwriting skills (along with Earle Hagen) to pen the series' catchy theme song. Among their other credits include "Good Morning World" (1967 to 1968, which featured Goldie Hawn) and "Lotsa Luck" (1973, starring Dom Deluise). Their collaboration ended during the 1970s, when Persky went on to become a successful TV director. Denoff would contribute to various awards programs and serve as a creative consultant with Jerry Lewis for his annual muscular dystrophy telethon. He died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Bio by: C.S.
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