William Froug

In his two-hour interview, William Froug (1922-2013) reflects on his start in broadcasting at CBS radio. He describes working as a publicist and staff writer, and becoming a junior executive at the network. He recalls becoming a producer/director on Hallmark Radio Hall of Fame, and discusses his experiences with the Hollywood Blacklist. Froug then talks of his transition to television, writing a script for Bill Asher at Fireside Theatre. He speaks of becoming a writer/producer at Screen Gems, producing Alcoa-Goodyear Theatre, and writing for Playhouse 90 and Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre. He describes his brief tenure with Goodson/Todman, and details his time as producer on The Twilight Zone. Froug also touches on his role as producer of Gilligan's Island, Bewitched, and Mr. Novak and discusses his love of teaching screenwriting at UCLA. Karen Herman conducted the interview on July 18, 2011 in Sarasota, FL. Note: At the time of the interview, Froug had only been recently released from a lengthy hospitalization due to poor health and was not yet recovered.