‘Love Boat’ Producer, Archivist Henry Colman Dies at 89

TV executive and producer Henry Colman, who helped develop "The Love Boat," has died at the age of 89

Producer Henry Colman, whose resume included the hit TV comedies "The Love Boat" and "Green Acres," has died at the age of 89.

Colman passed away from natural causes at his Los Angeles home on Nov. 7.

Colman began his career in television just as the medium was coming into its own. After starting as a production coordinator on the local musical show "Easy Does It," he became an assistant to the director on "Kraft Television Theatre" in 1951. He also worked on "Robert Montgomery Presents" and the "Colgate Comedy Hour."

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He then became a television executive, overseeing the pilot of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," and working on programs including "Green Acres" and "Hawaii Five-O."

He later worked on the development of "The Love Boat," where he became line producer. He went on to produce the series "Hotel" and several TV movies including "Body of Evidence," "Parent Trap III" and "The Rape of Dr. Willis."

Colman was also an interviewer for the Archive of American Television, conducting over 33 interviews, including sessions with Aaron Spelling, James Arness, and George Carlin.

The TV Academy Foundation (which owns the archive) has established a memorial fund in
Colman’s memory. Donations can be sent to The Archive of American Television, 5220 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood CA 91601.

The archive interviewed him in 2001 about his life and career. Here's the video:

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