‘The Graduate’ and ‘Catch-22’ writer, Get Smart creator and SNL legend Buck Henry passes away at 89

Following a heart attack, the American TV & Movies legend dies in Los Angeles

American movies and TV legend Henry Zuckerman, credited by his screen name, Buck Henry passed away at the age of 89 in Los Angeles on Wednesday, 8^th January 2020.

The celebrated writer, acclaimed TV personality and comic actor died following a heart attack at Cedars-Sinai Health Center in Los Angeles. His demise was confirmed to ‘Deadline’ by one of his family members.

The veteran icon started his career on TV with ‘The New Steve Allen Show’ in 1961. He worked for as long as 50 years in the various mediums of entertainment in various roles such as that of an actor, screenwriter, director and producer. His last work was in the year 2014 with ‘2014’s Babe West.’

He appeared in over 40 films and dozens of TV shows which included a recurring role of Dick Lemon, father of Liz Lemon played by Tina Fey on the celebrated sitcom ‘30 Rock’. His frequent guest appearances in hosting Saturday Night Live during its formative years also are fondly remembered.

He was a twice Academy Award nominee for his work behind the screen. He scored a pair nomination at Oscars for his adapted screenplay of ‘The Graduate’ along with Calder Willingham in 1968, and scored another pair nomination with Warren Beatty in 1978 for the Best direction for “Heaven Can Wait.’

His other notable writing credits include, What’s Up, Doc?, Catch-22, Candy, To Die For, etc. He was much celebrated for creating iconic TV comedy ‘Get Smart’ with Mel Brooks.

View this post on Instagram

Buck Henry was hilarious and brilliant and made us laugh more times than we even know. I was lucky enough to be on a panel with him at SXSW and he was so funny. He said “I don’t like to write with people because if they aren’t as funny as me I hate them and if they are funnier than me I hate them.” He wrote The Graduate and To Die For and co created Get Smart and was a riot hosting SNL back when they would let a writer host SNL. One of the greats.

A post shared by Judd Apatow (@juddapatow) on Jan 8, 2020 at 8:46pm PST

His death left everyone from the industry mourning over the loss of a legend. His fans, colleagues and friends took social media sites to pay their tribute.

#RIPBuckHenry: ‘Graduate’ Writer, ‘Get Smart’ Co-Creator, ‘SNL’ Favorite Was 89 #Legend https://t.co/OpgfiytrRP

— Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) January 9, 2020

Our thoughts are with his family.