Bernie West

Bernie West was best known as a television writer and producer, who lent a hand in establishing several of the most popular and successful programs of the 1970s and 1980s. West entered show business initially as a stand-up comedian, regularly touring the Upstate New York resorts as part of the comedy duo Ross & West (which included Ross Martin and Mickey Ross at different points). West would go on to appear on both Broadway ("Bells Are Ringing") and television ("Car 54, Where Are You?") during the late 1950s/early 1960s, and would continue sporadic television appearances throughout the 1960s. But shortly after the dawn of the 1970s, West made the transition from actor/comedian to writer/producer, landing a steady behind-the-scenes gig on the mega-hit "All in the Family" from 1971 through 1975, and winning an Emmy Award in 1973. West would go on to write and/or produce other hit shows (including "Three's Company"), but "The Jeffersons" would be the show that he worked most closely with, writing a total of 251 episodes, and is also listed as its creator. After "The Jeffersons" wrapped up, West all but retired from show business, except for sporadic interview segments on television (such as the "E! True Hollywood Story" series).