Coleman Jacoby


Coleman Jacoby was an American comedy writer for radio and television.

Early life

Born Coleman Jacobs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, his father abandoned the family mother died when he was young.
He was raised at the Jewish Home for Babies and Children from age 7.

Career

After studying art, he moved to New York City, New York, where he worked painting murals for nightclubs. He also started writing jokes for comedians. Joke writing for Bob Hope and Fred Allen paved the way for steady work in radio. He changed his name to Jacoby on the recommendation of columnist Earl Wilson.
He wrote for Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca on Your Show of Shows. Later, after teaming up with his longtime partner Arnie Rosen, he wrote extensively for Jackie Gleason and Art Carney. The team also wrote for Phil Silvers's character Sergeant Ernie Bilko for You'll Never Get Rich.

Personal life

Jacoby was married twice, first to Violeta Velero in 1940, from whom he divorced, and later to Gaby Monet, who predeceased him. He had one daughter.
He died of pancreatic cancer in East Meadow, New York.