Bernie Orenstein, Co-Writer of 'That Girl', Dies at 95

Bernie Orenstein, the co-writer and co-producer of iconic television comedy series such as 'The New Dick Van Dyke Show', died on September 14 at the age of 95, according to a confirmation from his family. Orenstein leaves behind a rich legacy in the television industry, having built a remarkable career spanning four decades of writing and producing some of the most memorable sitcoms and variety shows in American broadcast history.

For much of his professional life, Orenstein worked in a prolific partnership with Saul Turteltaub. Together, the duo wrote and produced numerous television hits that defined generations of viewing. Among their notable credits were 'The New Dick Van Dyke Show', which served as a 1970s follow-up to the original classic, 'That Girl', 'The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show', 'Kate & Allie', 'What’s Happening!!', and 'Cosby'. Their creative footprint also extended to 'Sanford and Son', where Orenstein previously noted that the show’s star, Redd Foxx, was warmly protective of the two writers as they navigated creating a predominantly Black-cast show.

Orenstein's talent and adaptability allowed him to collaborate with many of the biggest names in entertainment history. Over his forty years in the business, he worked alongside legendary performers including Joan Rivers, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Dick Van Dyke, Marlo Thomas, and Bing Crosby. His ability to craft sharp, engaging comedy made him a sought-after voice in an era when network television comedy was undergoing rapid evolution and setting new standards for the medium.

Born in Toronto in 1931, Orenstein eventually moved to New York City to launch his television career. He initially wrote for the pioneering reality series 'Candid Camera' and subsequently contributed to 'The Hollywood Palace' before forging his enduring partnership with Turteltaub. Beyond his writing credits, Orenstein dedicated a significant portion of his later years to nurturing the next generation of creative talent. He served as a dedicated mentor and educator to rising writers and producers at Long Island University Brooklyn’s TV Writers Studio MFA program, passing on invaluable industry insights to students.

In a 2016 interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Orenstein reflected with immense satisfaction on his decades in the industry, stating that he was most proud of everything he had accomplished. When asked how he would like to be remembered by audiences and peers, he simply answered that he hoped to be recalled by his extensive body of work and the fact that he never hurt anyone. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Rhoades Orenstein, along with his children Lisa, Barbara, Jenny, and Alec, as well as eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.