Gene Braunstein (b. 1950) is an American writer, story editor and producer who, together with writing partner Bob Perlow, wrote the Season 4 episode, Metamorphosis, the TV Show.
Biography[]
Gene was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, 1950. living with his parents, his brother Carl and his aunt in a sprawling ranch home. He attended Norwalk High, graduating in 1967.[1]
A couple of years later, he attended Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, undertaking a B.A. in Mass Communications, and graduating in 1972. During his time there he met, roomed with and formed a lifelong friendship with fellow Emerson student, Jay Leno. Leno recalled that they quickly discovered their mutual love for comedians and became instant friends, writing 'bits' together. These then would then try out in stand up in local coffeehouse. which Leno said were "post-beatnik havens for protesters of every kind." billing themselves as "Gene & Jay's Unique and Original Comedy."[1]
They worked together while studying for two years, until Braunstein graduated Emerson a year ahead of Leno and returned to Norwalk, doing odd jobs and stand-up gigs in New York City. After his graduation Leno headed for California.
In 1976, convinced Braunstein that the weather, and opportunities, were better on the West Coast. After Braunstein made the move, he and Leno were hired to write jokes for comedian J.J. Walker, for whom Braunstein became head writer. Leno worked as an actor and honed his stand-up act, which ultimately led to his hosting "The Tonight Show."[1]
He has been a member of TheWriteBrain.net since 1995.[2] And, having moved back to Norwalk to be with family, he continues to work in a freelance capacity, and is a member of the Theatre Artists Workshop, which is based in Norwalk.
Career[]
While he (and Jay Leno) cut their professional comedy writing teeth writing material for the stand up of Jimmie J.J. Walker (one of the stars of Good Times) , Gene Braunstein's first credit as a writer came from his work on Laverne & Shirley (1981-82) writing two episodes of the show. Following this up with work on another of Garry Marshall's productions, his episode of Mork & Mindy (1982). From there he went on to write episodes of Newhart (1983); Webster (1985-86); Mr. Belvedere (1985-87); Night Court (1986); It's a Living (1986-1988); Full House (1987); She's the Sheriff (1987-88) on whose pilot he was story editor; Getting By (1993); The Cramp Twins (2002-2003), as well as an episode of Sabrina, the Animated Series (1999) and the Video Reality show That's Funny (2004).
Braunstein also wrote 16 episodes of Who's the Boss? (1988 - 1992) and it's UK adaptation The Upper Hand (1992 - 1995). In addition to writing for the show he also acted as story editor on the show (1988-90) and executive script consultant (1990) and from 1990 - 1992 he was a producer on the show. He also acted as consulting producer on the pilot for a Tony Danza follow up project Hudson Street (1995). [3]
Mork & Mindy[]
Braunstein collaborated with another friend and roommate of Jay Leno in their script, Bob Perlow, the two of them creating Season 4's Metamorphosis, the TV Show, where Mork and Mearth swap bodies right at the point where Mindy needs Mork's visible support with her new boss.