Oliver Hailey

Oliver Hailey (July 7, 1932 – January 23, 1993) was an American screenwriter and playwright. Hailey's television writing credits include episodes of Bracken's World and McMillan & Wife. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for writing the 1981 television film Sidney Shorr: A Girl's Best Friend. As a playwright, Hailey wrote over 20 plays, three of which were produced on Broadway.

Career Hailey wrote for various television series including episodes of Bracken's World, Sidney Shorr earned Hailey the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Comedy Anthology, as well as a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Limited Series or a Special.

While writing for television and film was Hailey's main livelihood, his preference was for writing stage plays. Hailey wrote over 20 plays, many of which were produced regionally or Off-Broadway. Father's Day opened and closed at the John Golden Theatre on March 16, 1971; and I Won't Dance opened and closed at the Helen Hayes Theatre on May 10, 1981. All three of his Broadway plays closed after playing just one regular performance each, Despite only running for one performance, the Broadway production of Father's Day received nominations for Best Actress in a Play (Marian Seldes) and Best Scenic Design (Jo Mielziner) at the 25th Tony Awards.

Many of Hailey's works fall under the "black comedy" genre, with a common theme of exploring familial and personal relationships. His parents were Oliver D. and Hallie May Hailey ; his father worked as a butcher. Hailey spent three years serving in the United States Air Force.