Ernest Chambers, a writer and producer known for variety shows such as “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and “Click,” died on May 28 at his home in Los Angeles after a brief illness. He was 97 years old.
Chambers has created, written and executive produced more than 1,000 hours of television over his 50-year career and has been nominated for 11 Emmy Awards and four Writers Guild Awards. He began writing scripts for hit TV shows in the 1960s, including “The Bob Newhart Show,” “The Danny Kaye Show,” “My Three Sons,” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”
Chambers served as the original showrunner of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in partnership with writer and producer Saul Illson. The show lasted for three seasons from 1967 to 1968. Chambers continued to produce in the 1970s and ’80s, creating TV specials and series for Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Donna Summer, Carol Channing, Tony Orlando & Dawn, Sid Caesar, Tony Randall, Bobby Darin, Merv Griffin, Barry Manilow, and others. He also produced “Dance Fever,” which aired from 1978 to 1987.
He served as an executive producer on the game show “Click” for two seasons in 1997. The series was one of Ryan Seacrest’s first hosting jobs.
Chambers also wrote musicals, including a stage production of “Dennis the Menace.” He served as an executive producer on the 1993 film adaptation before becoming vice president of television and film for Merv Griffin Entertainment. He also wrote the screenplay for the Carol Channing revue “Showgirls,” which opened on Broadway in 1961.
Chambers was born on December 28, 1928 in Philadelphia. After serving in the military, Chambers attended Columbia University. There he served as editor-in-chief of the university’s humor magazine, The Jester’s. After graduating and before heading to Los Angeles, he balanced his work in advertising as a copywriter with writing comedy sketches and songs for the 1950s New York City cabaret scene.
Chambers is survived by his wife of 55 years, Veronica, daughters Alison and Kathryn, son Christopher, and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Brian Chambers, an editor and television executive.
A memorial service will be held in Beverly Hills in the coming weeks. For more information, please email ECMemorial2026@gmail.com.
