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Alan Kirschenbaum
Alan Kirschenbaum (April 19, 1961 – October 26, 2012) was an American television sitcom producer and writer. Early life, family and educationKirschenbaum was born in New York[1] to stand-up comedian Freddie Roman[2][3] (a.k.a. Fred Kirschenbaum)[4] and Ethel Kirschenbaum. He had a sister, Judi.[5] Alan's paternal great-grandfather owned the Crystal Springs Hotel in the Catskills, where Freddie Roman began performing.[4] Alan attended high school in New City, New York in Rockland County.[6] He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business with a degree in marketing in 1983.[4][1] CareerTelevisionHis early work in television was as a writer for the Judd Hirsch sitcom Dear John[1] and the short-lived Everything's Relative.[3] He directed some episodes of the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond (created by his high school friend Philip Rosenthal)[4] and was the head writer for Coach for three seasons.[7] He was a writer for Baby Talk,[8] a co-creator, writer and producer of the sitcom Yes, Dear, a producer/writer on Raising Hope, creator of Down the Shore (hiring college friend Lew Schneider in the leading role and Phil Rosenthal to help with writing),[4] and co-creator of the unaired series Friend Me.[8] He was a producer on Stark Raving Mad (an episode of which his father appeared in as himself) and Center of the Universe.[4] Other endeavorsKirschenbaum was also very involved in the sport of harness racing. He worked as a racehorse trainer in college at Liberty Bell Race Track in Philadelphia and at the Meadowlands Racetrack[4] in northern New Jersey for three years[1] and reporter/commentator for ESPN[6] on their Breeders Crown broadcasts. Kirschenbaum was an owner and horse breeder for many years. Kirschenbaum was also a supporter of the California Sire Stakes for harness horses. He was a supporter of the California Harness Horseman's Association, serving as president, along with being an avid amateur driver, racing in several East vs. West Coast challenges.[9] Additionally, Kirschenbaum worked as an instructor for the UCLA Extension Writers Program.[5] Personal lifeKirschenbaum and his wife, actress and storyteller Vicki Juditz, had a daughter, Molly[1] (born c. 1999).[6] He died by suicide on October 26, 2012.[8] He was found dead in his home in Burbank, California.[1] His funeral was in New City, New York.[9] References
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