I was shocked to hear that Aaron Spelling died today (June 23, 2006). I know he was in his golden years (he was 83) and had recently suffered a stroke, but he was such a force in Hollywood, it is hard to believe he is actually gone.
If you have ever turned on a television set, chances are you’ve seen at least one show that Aaron Spelling touched in some way. The Guiness Book of World Records lists him as the most prolific television producer ever with 3,000 television shows to his credit. Among the shows he produced were Zane Grey Theatre, Daniel Boone, The Mod Squad, Starsky and Hutch, The Rookies, Family, Charlie’s Angels, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, Hart to Hart, Dynasty, T.J. Hooker, Vega$, Hotel, Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, 7th Heaven, and Charmed. In addition to all the shows he produced, he also produced 140 television movies including one of my favorites, 1976’sThe Boy in the Plastic Bubble with John Travolta. He won an Emmy for 1994’s And the Band Played On, a film about AIDS and its devastating effects.
Other than being a great producer, many remember Spelling for his home, The Manor. At over 56,000 square feet, it has 123 rooms and is listed as the largest single family residence in California. Unique features include a bowling alley, an entire floor for closet space, a gymnasium, screening room, and garage room for eight cars. Most thought it extravagant, but Spelling never forgot the poverty he suffered as a child and enjoyed his success in Hollywood.
Some people often accused Spelling of producing “fluff” shows for television, but there is no questioning his success. I don’t really care for daughter Tori (especially after her recent marriage), but Aaron was a great producer, the likes of which television will probably never see again.
What is your favorite Aaron Spelling show?
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An Aaron Spelling fact you may not have known: His first wife was Carolyn Jones – Morticia of “The Addams Family.” They were married for 13 years.