Cy Howard Biography

Screenwriter Cy Howard was known for writing sharp, fast-paced comedies. Educated at the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin, Howard started professionally as a comedy writer for such radio stars as Milton Berle and Danny Thomas. Around 1947, Howard began making a splash with his work on the popular "My Friend Irma" radio series. Two years later he wrote the screenplay for the film version. The film was most notable for being the debut of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. A sequel followed in 1950. In 1952, the radio show became a TV show on CBS. At the decade's end, Howard began a five-year stint producing and developing scripts at Desilu Studios. He began writing scripts again in the mid '60s and in 1970 made his directorial debut with Lovers and Other Strangers. Howard directed two more films, before returning to screenwriting. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi