TV comedy writer Jerry Belson dies at 68

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Emmy-winning comedy writer Jerry Belson of "The Odd Couple" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show" has died in Los Angeles at the age of 68, his daughter said.

"He was truly one of the funniest persons I ever met," friend and writing partner Garry Marshall told The Los Angeles Times. The report said Kristine Belson said her father died of prostate cancer.

Belson, who worked with Marshall as a TV comedy-writing team of the 1960s and early '70, also wrote for "The Lucy Show," "The Danny Thomas Show," "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," "The Joey Bishop Show" and "Hey Landlord," which they created.

"He was a brave and risky writer; he tried everything," Marshall said. "I remember he'd write some far-out stuff and I'd say, 'Jerry, four people are going to get this joke.' He'd always say, 'More than enough.'"

Belson is survived by his wife, actress and artist Jo Ann Belson; three children; a sister and brother; and two grandchildren.