Bruce Howard dies at 86

TV author Bruce Howard, who composed multiple instances of comedies including "Gilligan's Island," "The Brady Bunch" and "Good Occasions," authored a large number of instances of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and acquired an Emmy nomination for his efforts on "The Red-colored Skelton Hour," died of natural causes in Studio City, Calif., on Jan. 30. He was 86.Howard authored 32 instances of Skelton's show in 1962-63 as well as authored multiple instances of shows including "McHale's Navy" and, later, "The Romance Boat." He authored a couple of instances of "The Lucy Show," "I Imagine Jeannie," "The Jeffersons," "Alice," "Too Close for Comfort," "Punky Brewster," "What Is HappeningInch and "Eventually at any given time.InchHe was story editor on "The Dukes of Hazzard" from 1979-83.Born in Brooklyn, Howard began in showbiz like a artist, being employed as a standup comic with the kind of Milton Berle and Shecky Greene. He made an appearance within the Catskills and elsewhere round the country. He seemed to be an actress.Howard is made it by his wife of 39 years, Gaye three sons along with a daughter. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com