TV comedy writer Gary Belkin dead at 78

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Classic TV comedy writer Gary Belkin has died in Los Angeles at age 78.

Belkin died Thursday of emphysema, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Belkin's first comedy writing job was with Sid Caesar's "Caesar's Hour" from 1954 to 1957.

He went on to write for "The Danny Kaye Show" and spent eight years with "The Carol Burnett Show." He also wrote for "Get Smart," "The Doris Day Show," "Three's Company" and "Newhart," as well as for many celebrity-hosted TV specials.

Belkin won an Emmy in 1985 for his PBS sex education program "VD Blues" and was nominated the same year for his work on "Sesame Street." He also shared a 1987 Emmy nomination for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."

Belkin had no immediate survivors. A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.