Biografia
Joseph T. (Joe) Naar was born in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, in 1926. After graduating from Los Angeles High School, he began working for the William Morris Agency, a prominent film industry talent agency.
At WMA, Joe's outgoing and personable nature quickly advanced him through the agency's training program. By the early 1950s, his clients included Peter Lawford, Steve McQueen, Ali MacGraw, Raquel Welch, and Marilyn Monroe. During this period, he met his first wife, stage and film dancer Dolores Durrett. They married, had three children, and lived in Brentwood, California.
Joe's career ambitions eventually led him away from agency work and into production. His television production credits include the Ronald Reagan-hosted "General Electric Comedy Hour," "Lux Playhouse," and the series "Checkmate." He is credited with discovering actor Jon Voight, collaborating with him on his first film, "The All American Boy." Joe also produced the groundbreaking cult classic "Blacula" (1972) and its sequel "Scream Blacula Scream" (1973), starring William Marshall and Vonetta McGee, for AIP Productions.
Joe's success earned him opportunities in television, and with Spelling-Goldberg Productions, he produced the popular TV series "Starsky and Hutch." He is acknowledged for creating the concept for the TV series "Heart to Heart," which eventually starred Robert Wagner. Joe also worked with Blake Edwards Productions, producing the TV series "Strike Force" featuring Robert Culp and "Half Nelson," starring Joe Pesci.
Joe and Dolores eventually separated and both remarried but remained close friends. After battling lung cancer for several years, Joe passed away on January 17, 2014, with Dolores by his side. He was 88 years old.
