Bud Yorkin facts for kids

Alan David "Bud" Yorkin (February 22, 1926 – August 18, 2015) was a very talented American who worked in movies and TV. He was a producer, director, writer, and even an actor! He helped create many popular TV shows and films, especially some famous sitcoms from the 1970s.

Bud Yorkin's Life and Career

Bud Yorkin was born Alan David Yorkin on February 22, 1926, in Washington, Pennsylvania. When he was just 16, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. After the war, he went to college and earned a degree in engineering from Carnegie Tech, which is now called Carnegie Mellon University.

Early TV Work

In 1954, Bud Yorkin started his career in television. He became the producer for The Tony Martin Show on NBC. This was a short variety show that aired before the news. In 1955, he produced and directed a comedy show called The Soldiers. Then, in 1956, he became the producer and director for Tennessee Ernie Ford's comedy and variety show, The Ford Show.

Working with Norman Lear

A big step in Yorkin's career came in 1958 when he teamed up with writer and producer Norman Lear. They formed a company called Tandem Productions. Together, they created many movies and TV specials. One of their early successes was the 1958 TV special An Evening with Fred Astaire, which Yorkin directed and produced. This show was very popular and won nine Emmy Awards!

Yorkin and Lear went on to create some of the most famous TV shows of the 1970s. These included hit sitcoms like All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, and Sanford and Son. These shows were known for being funny and also for talking about important topics.

Bud Yorkin Productions

After working with Norman Lear for a while, Bud Yorkin started his own company called Bud Yorkin Productions. His first show after this was Grady, which was a spin-off from Sanford and Son.

In 1976, he started another company called TOY Productions with Saul Turteltaub and Bernie Orenstein. This company created two more popular shows: What's Happening!! and Carter Country. Later, in 1979, TOY Productions was bought by Columbia Pictures Television.

Directing and Producing Films

Besides his work in television, Bud Yorkin also directed and produced several movies. In 1963, he directed Come Blow Your Horn, which starred the famous singer and actor Frank Sinatra. He also directed and produced Start the Revolution Without Me in 1970, a comedy that has become a favorite for many people. In 1985, he directed Twice in a Lifetime, starring Gene Hackman.

Yorkin was also an executive producer for the science fiction classic Blade Runner in 1982. He was also involved in its sequel, Blade Runner 2049, which came out in 2017.

Awards and Recognition

Bud Yorkin received many awards for his amazing work. In 1999, he and Norman Lear were given the Lucy Award by Women in Film Los Angeles. This award recognized their excellent work that helped improve how women were shown on television. In 2002, Bud Yorkin was honored by being added to the Television Hall of Fame.

Bud Yorkin passed away on August 18, 2015, at the age of 89. He was married to actress Cynthia Sikes and was the father of television writer and producer Nicole Yorkin.

Bud Yorkin's Filmography

As a Director

• Come Blow Your Horn (1963)
• Never Too Late (1965)
• Divorce American Style (1967)
• Inspector Clouseau (1968)
• Start the Revolution Without Me (1970)
• The Thief Who Came to Dinner (1973)
• Twice in a Lifetime (1985)
• Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988)
• Love Hurts (1990)

As a Producer

• Cold Turkey (executive producer) (1971)
• Blade Runner (executive producer) (1982)
• Deal of the Century (1983)
• Intersection (1994)
• Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

See also

In Spanish: Bud Yorkin para niños