Bob Tischler, SNL Producer, Dies at 78

Bob Tischler, a pivotal figure in the revival of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) during the 1980s, has passed away at the age of 78. His son, Zeke, confirmed that Tischler died from pancreatic cancer at his home in Bodega Bay, California, on July 13. Born on June 12, 1946, in Englewood, New Jersey, Tischler's early career included work as a sound engineer in radio and television, leading to his involvement with the National Lampoon Radio Hour and several comedy albums. Tischler's notable contributions to the music scene included producing the Blues Brothers' first album, "Briefcase Full of Blues," which topped the Billboard charts. He continued to work with the duo, producing four additional albums and the soundtrack for their 1980 film, which also achieved commercial success. His tenure at SNL began during a challenging period for the show, but Tischler's hiring as a supervisory producer by Dick Ebersol marked a turning point. Promoted to head writer in 1981, Tischler played a crucial role in revitalizing SNL, crafting memorable sketches for future stars like Eddie Murphy and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. His influence extended beyond SNL, as he later wrote for popular television series such as "Empty Nest" and "Boy Meets World." Tischler is survived by his wife Judith, son Zeke, and brother Jim, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and creativity in the entertainment industry.