James Komack

James Arenson Komack (August 3, 1924 – December 24, 1997) was an American television producer, director, screenwriter, and actor. He is best known for producing several hit television series, including The Courtship of Eddie's Father, Chico and the Man, and Welcome Back, Kotter.

Over the course of his career, Komack was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Early life and family James Komack was born in New York, the son of Max Komack (1894–1956) and Frances Greenstein Komack (1899–1986). He had one sister, Roslyn "Roz" Komack (later Baldassare, 1920–1992).

Career Komack performed in both the film and the original Broadway cast of the musical Damn Yankees. In both productions, he played the role of a baseball player performing the song "(You Gotta Have) Heart". Komack also appeared in Frank Capra's film A Hole in the Head as Julius Manetta, the inept son of Mario (Edward G. Robinson) and Sophie (Thelma Ritter).

Early in his career, Komack worked as a stand-up comedian and was cast in sixteen episodes over three seasons as United States Navy millionaire dentist Harvey Spencer Blair III, in the CBS military sitcom/drama, Hennesey, starring Jackie Cooper and Abby Dalton. The second season he began writing some of the scripts. From there he went on to directing, including episodes of the Dick Van Dyke Show, Gallant Men, Combat, 77 Sunset Strip, the Lloyd Bridges Show, and received an Emmy nomination for Dr. Kildare.

Komack's first hit of writing was topical night club material. In addition to writing for himself, he sold songs and patter to other performers, notably Eartha Kitt and Robert Clary. He recorded a gold hit record, "The Knickname Song". Komack made a record album of his comedy routine, James Komack at the Waldorf. He also recorded a music album on RCA Victor in 1957 titled Inside Me, under the orchestra direction of Dennis Farnon. In total, he made 8 albums and 14 singles, mostly comedy routines but also some songs.

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Nominated work Result 1970 22nd Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Comedy Series The Courtship of Eddie's Father 1971 28th Golden Globe Awards Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy 1976 33rd Golden Globe Awards Chico and the Man 28th Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Comedy Series Welcome Back, Kotter