Gene has been known as the guru of comedy writing. He has written jokes for comedians such as Phyllis Diller, Bob Hope, Carol Burnett, Bill Cosby, Tim Conway, and many others. He earned three Emmy Awards for his work on The Carol Burnett Show. He wrote for Bob Hope from 1969 until the performer’s retirement, serving the last 15 years as his head writer.
Gene’s television career includes producing Welcome Back, Kotter, Three’s Company, and The Tim Conway Show. Other credits include Mama’s Family, All in the Family, Laugh-In, and many others.
Gene has authored 45 books on comedy. His book Comedy Writing Step by Step is considered by many to be the textbook on comedy writing. A revised and updated version of this book — The New Comedy Writing Step by Step was released by Quill Driver Books in 2008. Other books include Talk About Hope; Become A Richer Writer; and Damn! That’s Funny! Writing Humor You Can Sell. Gene has one novel, Breakfasts with Archangel Shecky, as well an instructional book, Write Your Book Now! that helps other writers start and finish the book they always wanted to write. For additional books visit our store.
Gene has written for many national magazines including Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, Toastmaster and wrote a regular humor column for Arizona Highways for many years.