The son of comedian Freddie Norman and the writer of 'My Name Is Earl' was found dead on Friday, October 26 at the age of 51.
- Oct 29, 2012
AceShowbiz - Hollywood lost one of its great TV producers and writers. Alan Kirschenbaum was pronounced dead on Friday, October 26. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner on Sunday, October 28, the comedy writer died of an apparent suicide. However, the result of the examination is still pending.
There haven't been any official statements yet about what might lead Alan to take his own life. He was recently rumored leaving "Friend Me" show for unknown reasons.
CBS, which picked up Alan's comedy "Friend Me" to series in May, released a statement on Saturday, October 27, "We are stunned and devastated to hear the news this morning of Alan's passing. We have lost a long-time colleague, a valued friend and truly one of the most well-liked individuals on our midst."
The TV network remembered the "Yes, Dear" co-creator as "a kind and gentle man; and a warm and witty conversationalist who could always be seen chatting up many on our lot ranging from assistants to senior executives. Everyone at CBS truly loved Alan and he will be deeply missed." It then sent its condolence to Alan's family and friends, saying, "Our hearts grieve for his wife Vicki, daughter Molly, sister Judi, mother Ethel and his father, comedian Freddie Roman, and all of Alan's family and friends."
The creator and executive producer of "Everybody Loves Raymond", Philip Rosenthal, expressed his sadness of Alan's death, telling Huffington Post, "I lost a brother... We laughed and ate and hung out, and played around with comedy, which he had in his blood." He then stated, "I know he loved his friends, his wife, his parents, his sister, his incredible, beautiful and magnificently talented daughter Molly. He loved his work. He loved laughing and I loved being with him."
Some other figures in Hollywood TV industry also sent their condolence on Twitter. Co-creator and executive producer of ABC's "Modern Family" Steve Levitan tweeted on October 27, "I'm so sad to hear about the passing of Alan Kirschenbaum. He was hilarious, a joy to be around and the definitive mensch. I will miss him."
"The Simpsons" TV writer Mike Scully tweeted on the same day, "RIP Alan Kirschenbaum A very funny, very nice guy. Never got to work together but he always made me laugh between periods at LA Kings games." Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who played in Alan's "Friend Me", also wrote down on Twitter, "RIP Alan. Only work with you for 10 days, but thanks so much for this wonderful job. You were a funny, great guy."
"Numb3rs" actor David Krumholtz additionally sent his condolence, tweeting, "I'm stunned and terribly hurt to hear of the tragic passing of my friend Alan Kirschenbaum. He was a sweet, funny man. So sad." Meanwhile, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" actor Michael Chiklis said on Twitter, "Deeply saddened by the loss if my dear friend Alan Kirschenbaum. Terrible news. He was someone I truly thought the world of. Sad day."
