Hal Cooper

After serving in World War II, Hal Cooper worked in children's programs such as "The Magic Cottage." He later became an associate producer and director, and his early credits included the psychology program "For Better or Worse," and the space opera/daytime soap "The Clear Horizon." Cooper had a long tenure on "I Dream of Jeannie," and he worked on the equally high concept "Gilligan's Island," "Gidget," "Mayberry R.F.D.," and many others. In the late '60s and '70s, some of the more groundbreaking shows Cooper was associated with included "That Girl," of which he directed 23 episodes, and "Maude," in which the main character embraced the contemporary women's liberation movement. Cooper directed 126 episodes of "Maude," a smash hit in its early seasons. During the '80s, Cooper continued to have success with sitcoms, directing "Love, Sydney," the first American television series to feature a gay man as its main protagonist; and directing/executive producing "Gimme a Break!" starring Nell Carter, after the show's original producers were dismissed. Cooper took over executive producing "Gimme a Break!" with Rod Parker, whom he previously collaborated with on other sitcoms. Before the decade ended, the pair would work together again on "Empty Nest" and "Dear John," successful shows about older men who find themselves single again.