LOS ANGELES, April 16 (UPI) -- Arthur Marx, a playwright who didn't shy from discussion about his relationship with his father, Groucho Marx, died Thursday in his Los Angeles home. He was 89.
The only son of the famed member of the Marx Brothers, Arthur Marx was born in New York in 1921 and served in the Philippines during World War II.
He died of natural causes, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.
He is known for his contributions to American entertainment writing, and also for a publicized legal wrangle to help his aging father regain control of his affairs from his companion, Erin Fleming.
"Groucho had a long shadow. But Arthur had a career on his own, which was quite impressive," actor Frank Ferrante, who portrayed the iconic comedian, told the paper.
Arthur Marx wrote a novel and several screenplays, as well as scripts for shows including "McHale's Navy" and "My Three Sons." His biographies include classic Hollywood subjects such as Samuel Goldwyn, Red Skelton, Bob Hope and Mickey Rooney.
Marx wrote "Life With Groucho" in 1954 and a follow-up effort, "Son of Groucho," published in 1972.
