Comedy writer Allan Manings, who co-created “One Day at a Time” and was active with the Writers Guild of America, died May 12 of a heart attack in Beverly Hills. He was 86.
Manings co-created CBS’ “One Day at a Time,” based on the personal experiences of his wife, actress Whitney Blake. Show starred Bonnie Franklin, MacKenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli and ran from 1975-1984.
Manings wrote episodes of many classic TV shows, including “Leave It to Beaver,” “Petticoat Junction,” “McHale’s Navy” and “The Lucy Show.” But during the McCarthy era, Manings found it necessary to leave the country for Canada, where he could find work. That experience had a profound effect upon his writing.
Manings shared an Emmy for writing achievement with “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” in 1968. He later segueed to Norman Lear’s production team as a writer and executive producer on “Good Times.”
“He was a glorious man and a great comedy writer,” Lear said.
Manings was involved with the WGA West for several decades. In 1997, he received the WGAW’s Morgan Cox Award.
“Allan was a passionate advocate for writers; his guild activity was always in their interest,” said former WGAW prexy Del Reisman in a statement.
Manings’ wife predeceased him in 2002. Survivors include stepdaughter, actress Meredith Baxter; two stepsons, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a sister.
Donations may be made in his name to the Writers Guild Foundation, for the Blacklist Archives Project, at WGFoundation.org.
