'Playhouse 90' producer Manulis dead at 92

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Emmy-winning producer Martin Manulis, known for launching the TV series "Playhouse 90," has died of natural causes in Los Angeles at age 92.

Manulis, who worked as the sole producer on "Playhouse" during its first two seasons, died Friday at his Los Angeles home, The Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

During its first year on the air, the CBS anthology series won six Emmy Awards. Its second episode, "Requiem for a Heavyweight," was named the best single program in 1956.

Manulis praised the lack of censorship involved in presenting a live TV series, but he admitted the regimen was a strain.

"It was an emotional show," said Manulis in a 1996 interview. "It was such a strain (doing it) live. Plus, you had to run from one (set) to another. You had to have people clawing at you to change your clothes while you were in close-ups."

Manulis is survived by his son, John Bard Manulis; two daughters, Laurie Harmon and Karen Manulis Cohen; a grandchild and two great-grandchildren.