Keefe Brasselle
Encyclopedia
Keefe Brasselle was a film actor, television actor/producer and author. He first made a name for himself playing the role of Eddie Cantor
in a Hollywood biography. Later, he became known for producing several failed television shows.
His friendship with CBS
executive James Aubrey led to the opportunity to produce several TV programs. In the summer of 1963 he starred in a brief summer replacement series for Garry Moore
called The Keefe Brasselle Show. During the 1964-65 season, under his "Richelieu Productions" banner, he produced three new but untested series: The Baileys of Balboa
, The Cara Williams Show and The Reporter
. Those series suffered from poor ratings and eventually contributed to Aubrey's removal as president of CBS Television in February 1965. Brasselle later wrote a novel that was a thinly disguised account of his relationship with Aubrey and the network, "The CanniBalS" (1968), followed by a sequel, "The Barricudas" (1973).
Other career highlights include appearances in the films A Place in the Sun and The Streets of Sin. Brasselle struggled to find work after his CBS experience. He died from liver disease at the age of 58.
His daughter, Melissa Brasselle, also pursued a film acting career.
Eddie Cantor
Eddie Cantor was an American "illustrated song" performer, comedian, dancer, singer, actor and songwriter...
in a Hollywood biography. Later, he became known for producing several failed television shows.
His friendship with CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
executive James Aubrey led to the opportunity to produce several TV programs. In the summer of 1963 he starred in a brief summer replacement series for Garry Moore
Garry Moore
Garry Moore was an American entertainer, game show host and comedian best known for his work in television...
called The Keefe Brasselle Show. During the 1964-65 season, under his "Richelieu Productions" banner, he produced three new but untested series: The Baileys of Balboa
The Baileys of Balboa
The Baileys of Balboa is an American sitcom that appeared on CBS in the 1964-1965 season on Thursdays at 9:30pm ET. The series lasted only one 26-episode season...
, The Cara Williams Show and The Reporter
The Reporter (TV series)
The Reporter is an American drama series that aired on CBS from September 25 to December 18, 1964. The series was created by Jerome Weidman and developed by executive producers Keefe Brasselle and John Simon.-Synopsis:...
. Those series suffered from poor ratings and eventually contributed to Aubrey's removal as president of CBS Television in February 1965. Brasselle later wrote a novel that was a thinly disguised account of his relationship with Aubrey and the network, "The CanniBalS" (1968), followed by a sequel, "The Barricudas" (1973).
Other career highlights include appearances in the films A Place in the Sun and The Streets of Sin. Brasselle struggled to find work after his CBS experience. He died from liver disease at the age of 58.
His daughter, Melissa Brasselle, also pursued a film acting career.