Hank Bradford, Pioneering Comedy Writer and 'Tonight Show' Head, Passes Away at 88

Hank Bradford, celebrated for his influential work on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' and his contributions to comedy, died of congestive heart failure.

Hank Bradford, renowned head writer for 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' and 'The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers,' died on January 18 in Los Angeles.
Bradford's career spanned various roles, including stand-up comedian, writer for TV shows like 'MASH' and 'Three’s Company,' and uncredited work on 'Smokey and the Bandit'.
Before his writing career, Bradford served in the U.S. Army as an intelligence analyst and radio host, and earned an advertising degree from Long Island University.
Bradford's humor and leadership were highly admired by his peers, with a sign above his desk reading: 'It left here funny.'
He is survived by his wife Patricia Bradford, daughters Stephanie Brenowitz and Sally Bradford McKenna, sons Matt Bohm and William McLaughlin, and five grandchildren.