Biography
Harvey Skolnik was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey. He began his career in New York City as the manager for comedian Sandy Baron. Harvey advanced his career by collaborating with close longtime friends such as Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Albert Brooks, James L. Brooks, and Jerry Belson.
Together with Bill Idelson, Harvey helped create *Love American Style*. A fan of meeting celebrities, he infused new energy into *The Odd Couple* as head writer and director by bringing in big-name talent. He was instrumental in featuring guests like Howard Cosell, Bobby Riggs, Billie Jean King, Paul Williams, Betty White, Allen Ludden, and many others on the show.
Harvey first crossed paths with Burt Reynolds during *Cannonball Run*. A memorable episode of *The Dating Game* saw a bachelorette, charmed by Harvey’s wit and humor, choose him over Burt Reynolds. Her disappointment upon realizing she did not select Burt was palpable. When the host revealed her date as Harvey Skolnik from Plainfield, NJ, she was crestfallen. Though Harvey was quite attractive, the encounter was hilariously awkward. Ever since, at industry events and parties, Harvey would always ask if Reynolds was attending, ensuring Reynolds had no chance to express embarrassment over losing to him.
Harvey purchased and lived in Harrison Ford’s former home. Before achieving movie stardom, Ford was a carpenter who built a charming country-style house in Los Angeles.
Harvey made memorable cameos on *The Odd Couple*, notably as the penguin in the bathtub during the nude off-Broadway show episode where Felix secretly attends his girlfriend’s performance and humorously covers her up when she appears naked. He also appeared on *Laverne & Shirley* as a scheming producer who steals Laverne’s heirloom earrings.
Close with Penny Marshall, Albert Brooks, Garry Marshall, Jerry Belson, and others, Harvey frequently made brief, mostly comedic appearances in their TV shows and movies. Some of these included *Young Doctors in Love*, *Beaches*, *Modern Romance*, *Awakenings*, and more.
Harvey was the life of every party and set—a unique talent with an irrepressible spirit. The world is undoubtedly less vibrant without him, and he will be deeply missed.
