Aaron Ruben - Biography

Aaron Ruben, (March 1, 1914 in Chicago, Illinois - January 30, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California) was an American television director known for The Andy Griffith Show (1960) Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964) and Sanford and Son (1972).

Early life

Ruben was the son of Polish Jewish immigrants. He grew up on the West Side of Chicago and attended Lewis Institute but did not graduate. He was involved in theater in Chicago after leaving college. After service in the military he worked for studios and wrote for radio programs including Dinah Shore's program, George Burns and Gracie Allen's show and Fred Allen's show. He also co-wrote Milton Berle's 1947-48 radio series with Nat Hiken.

Television career

Ruben started his TV producing and directing career in 1954 when he directed the TV series Caesar's Hour (1954). He then directed eleven episodes of The Phil Silvers Show between 1957 and 1959 along with Silvers' CBS TV special, Keep in Step (1959). He later produced The Andy Griffith Show (1960), working on that series for 5 seasons as producer, writer and story consultant. Other credits include Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964), The Headmaster (1970), Sanford and Son (1972), C.P.O. Sharkey (1976) and Teachers Only (1982). Aaron Ruben last did a voiceover in the videogame Buick Berle, 1954 (1995).

In 2003, Ruben won the Writers Guild of America, West's Valentine Davies Award for public service, for his work on behalf of abused children.

Death

He was married to actress Maureen Arthur. He died at 95 from pneumonia on January 30, 2010, at his home in Beverly Hills, California. He was over a month away from his 96th birthday.

Notes

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External links

• Aaron Ruben Archive of American Television Interview
• Aaron Ruben at the Internet Movie Database