Arne Sultan's life journey began on June 7, 1925, in the vibrant city of New York, where his formative years unfolded in the bustling neighborhood of Brooklyn. Before devoting himself to a life of writing, he cultivated his talents as a night club performer, refining his craft through countless performances.
As the 1950s drew to a close and the 1960s emerged, Sultan's professional trajectory shifted gears, as he transitioned into television writing. This marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Steve Allen, as he worked on numerous projects alongside the legendary comedian.
Years later, in 1963, Sultan's talents were showcased once more as he joined forces with the incomparable Judy Garland, contributing to the creation of The Judy Garland Show.
Sultan's foray into the realm of film writing commenced with a collaborative effort to craft the story for the 1962 comedy, Boys' Night Out, a cinematic endeavour that brought together a talented ensemble cast, including the esteemed actresses Kim Novak and Leslie Caron, alongside the renowned actors James Garner and Tony Randall.
Furthermore, Sultan's writing skills were also showcased in the original story for Arthur Hiller's romantic comedy, Promise Her Anything, which premiered in 1966 and featured the captivating performances of Warren Beatty and Leslie Caron. Additionally, Sultan's creative output was also responsible for the story of the 1966 comedy, Three on a Couch, another notable film of that year.
Sultan's illustrious career was marked by a long-standing creative partnership with Marvin Worth, with whom he collaborated on numerous film endeavors, the most notable of which being the 1989 cinematic release, See No Evil, Hear No Evil, which served as his final co-writing credit.
Prior to his work in the film industry, Sultan made a significant contribution to the world of television, where he held various roles on the iconic series Get Smart, commencing in 1965. Initially, he worked as a story editor and writer, skillfully weaving engaging narratives for the show. As his expertise and influence grew, Sultan progressed to the position of executive producer, overseeing the production of the series and leaving a lasting impact on its success.
During the period of his prolific career, Sultan, in addition to his primary responsibilities, also ventured into producing and writing for the short-lived romantic comedy series "He & She" in the year 1967, showcasing his versatility as a creative force in the entertainment industry.
In 1969, Sultan co-created the comedy series "The Governor & J.J." alongside Leonard Stern, a renowned executive producer of "Get Smart" and creator of "He & She", further solidifying his reputation as a talented and innovative television writer and producer.
Following the conclusion of "The Governor & J.J.", Sultan went on to executive produce and write numerous episodes of "The Partners", a comedy series created by and starring Don Adams, the iconic star of "Get Smart", in 1971, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different formats and styles while maintaining his high level of creative excellence.
Sultan, a renowned television personality, embarked on an additional comedy series venture, aptly titled The Sandy Duncan Show, in the year 1972. This notable endeavor featured the talented Tom Bosley, who would later go on to star in the highly acclaimed sitcom Happy Days, which premiered in 1974. Notably, Sultan's primary writing partner for the majority of episodes in these shows was the accomplished Earl Barret.
In the year 1975, the renowned television writer, Sultan, made a triumphant return to the small screen, crafting an impressive nine episodes of the popular police sitcom, Barney Miller. Not only did he lend his creative expertise to the show, but he also took on the added responsibility of producer, further solidifying his role in the production process.
Throughout his time on Barney Miller, Sultan collaborated with his trusted writing partners, the acclaimed duo of Danny Arnold and Chris Hayward, to bring forth a series of captivating episodes that captivated audiences nationwide.
In addition to his work on Barney Miller, Sultan also co-wrote a select few episodes of the 1976 sitcom, Holmes and Yoyo, reuniting with his long-time collaborator, the talented Earl Barret.
Sultan, a prolific screenwriter, collaborated with esteemed professionals in the entertainment industry, co-authoring the 1980 film adaptation of the beloved television series "Get Smart", specifically "The Nude Bomb", alongside the talented duo of Leonard Stern and Bill Dana. This creative endeavor marked a significant milestone in Sultan's illustrious career, showcasing his ability to craft engaging narratives in the realm of comedy.
In the same year, Sultan, along with his colleagues, co-developed "Too Close for Comfort", an Americanized version of the British sitcom "Keep It in the Family". This innovative project would go on to captivate audiences for a period of six years, concluding in 1986 following the untimely passing of Arne Sultan and the show's star, the talented Ted Knight.
Ted Knight, a renowned American actor, played the lead role in the sitcom, bringing his unique brand of humor and charisma to the character. His passing, along with that of Sultan, marked the end of an era in the world of comedy, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and memories that continue to entertain audiences to this day.
