Buck Henry, R.I.P.

Writer, actor and director Buck Henry passed away today of an apparent heart attack. He was 89.

After earning his stripes as a humorist at Dartmouth College, Henry earned the attention of Steve Allen who hired him as a writer in the early 1960's. Later, Henry would contribute to the American version of That Was The Week That Was, hosted by David Frost, as both a writer and performer. Henry would his earn his star in 1965 when he teamed up with Mel Brooks to create the hit TV spy spoof "Get Smart" starring Don Adams. Two years later, Henry co-wrote the adapted screenplay of "The Graduate" for which he received an Oscar nomination and also had a small role. A second Oscar nomination came more than a decade later when he and Warren Beatty were jointly nominated for Best Director of "Heaven Can Wait".

But, like many others, I remember Henry from his frequent appearances during the first years of Saturday Night Live. Between 1975 and 1980, Henry hosted the show 10 times and traditionally hosted the season finale. Henry most notably played the straight man to John Belushi's Samurai character.

In 1984, Henry was part of the cast of shortlived "The New Show" produced by Lorne Michaels. Henry's appearances on TV grew more sporadic although he would make guest appearances on programs like Falcon Crest, Murphy Brown, Will & Grace, 30 Rock, Hot in Cleveland and Law & Order: SVU. It is a shame Henry never got another chance to host SNL after 1980. While never a cast member, Buck Henry was integral to the show getting off the ground and becoming a cultural phenomenon. R.I.P.