With his writing partner, Garry Marshall, whom he met in 1962, Belson wrote scripts for classic comedy TV shows: The Lucy Show, The Danny Thomas Show, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., and others. He won Emmy Awards for his work on The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Tracey Ullman Show, and Tracey Takes On.
But one show in particular stands out: Marshall and Belson adapted a play to create a new series for television: The Odd Couple (1970-1975). The show, starring Jack Klugman as “Oscar” and Tony Randall as “Felix”, was a hit. “He was truly one of the funniest persons I ever met,” Marshall said. “He was a brave and risky writer; he tried everything. I remember he’d write some far-out stuff and I’d say, ‘Jerry, four people are going to get this joke.’ He’d always say, ‘More than enough.’” The duo also teamed up to write specials, including for Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Danny Thomas. Belson died October 10 at home from prostate cancer. He was 68.