TV producer-writer Ross dead at age 89

LOS ANGELES, May 30 (UPI) -- Noted TV producer-writer Michael Ross, known best for his work on U.S. series such as "All in the Family," has died at the age of 89, a friend says.

Carol Summers, a friend of the former "Family" writer, confirmed Ross died in Los Angeles of complications from a heart attack and stroke, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

Ross earned kudos for his work on "Family" between 1971 and 1975. The more than 30 episodes he wrote with writing partner Bernie West regularly explored social issues such as prejudice, the Times said.

Ross also was a driving force behind the "Family" spin-off "The Jeffersons," as well as "Three's Company" and its eventual spin-off "Three's a Crowd."

The producer-writer was also a noted philanthropist, helping fund a Jewish studies program at California State University at Northridge, and endowing a Yiddish culture and language academic chair at the University of California in Los Angeles.

The Times did not detail survivors of Ross, who died Tuesday, but said he married Irene Saslaw in 1950. She died in 2000.