Showbiz411

Christie Brinkley’s father, Don Brinkley, the famous and legendary television producer and writer, died yesterday. He was 91 years old. Don Brinkley co created and produced “Medical Center” with Chad Everett in the 60s and 70s, and “Trapper John MD” in the 80s. He wrote over 400 teleplays for such classic and long running shows as “The Untouchables,” “The Fugitive,” “Have Gun, Will Travel,” “Kraft Suspense Theatre,” “The FBI,” “The Virginian,” “Ben Casey,” “Bat Masterson,” “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Rawhide,” “Ironside,” “The Name of the Game,” and others. You can look at his credits in awe: there was almost no TV in the 1960s that didn’t have Don Brinkley’s name on it.

Don Brinkley was married to Christie’s mom, Marge,  for 55 years. He adopted Christie when they married, and she considered him her father. For most of their marriage, the Brinkleys

divided their time between Hawaii and Beverly Hills. But in the last few years, Christie moved them out to Sag Harbor, Long Island, so she could take care of them. Don Brinkley is also survived by Christie’s brother, Gregory, an innovative nutritionist, and several grandchildren including Alexa Ray Joel, daughter of Christie and Billy Joel. Condolences to Christie and her family. Her parents’ story is one of the rare ones in Hollywood–a great marriage, family, and lots of good work of which to be proud. It’s a grand legacy.

Roger Friedman

Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News. Friedman previously wrote the Intelligencer column at New York Magazine, He writes for Parade magazine and has written for Details, Vogue, the New York Times, Post, and Daily News and many other publications. He is the writer and co-producer of a film about R&B Music called “Only the Strong Survive,” which was released by Miramax in 2003 and was a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals.