Person Biography:
Harvey Skolnik, born in Plainfield, New Jersey, began his career as a manager for comedian Sandy Baron in New York City. He later worked with close friends, including Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Albert Brooks, James L. Brooks, and Jerry Belson, on various projects. Harvey's collaboration with Bill Idelson led to the creation of Love American Style, and he also served as head writer and director of TV's The Odd Couple, where he introduced big-name talent, such as Howard Cosell, Bobby Riggs, Billie Jean King, Paul Williams, Betty White, and Allen Ludden.
Harvey's career was marked by his ability to integrate celebrities into his projects, often with humorous results. He first met Burt Reynolds on the set of Cannonball Run, and there is a famous episode of The Dating Game where the bachelorette chose Harvey over Reynolds, leading to a lifelong joke about Reynolds' embarrassment.
Harvey owned and lived in the old house of Harrison Ford, a carpenter who built the country-style home in LA before becoming a movie star. Harvey made memorable cameos in TV shows and movies, including The Odd Couple, Laverne and Shirley, Young Doctors in Love, Beaches, Modern Romance, and Awakenings.
As a close friend to Penny Marshall, Albert Brooks, Garry Marshall, Jerry Belson, and others, Harvey frequently made brief, comedic appearances in their projects. He was known for being the life of every party and set, and his unique talent and irrepressible spirit will be deeply missed.
